Variscan tectonics in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, South Portuguese Zone

Abstract.This paper aims to discuss the structural evolution of the Iberian Pyrite Belt during the Variscan Orogeny. It provides new structural data, maps and cross sections from the eastern part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Regional geology of the South Portuguese Zone and lithostratigraphy of the Iberian Pyrite Belt are first briefly summarised. Three roughly homoaxial deformation phases are distinguished, and are mainly characterised by south-verging multi-order folds, axial planar cleavages and thrusts. Three structural units are distinguished: the La Puebla de Guzmán and Valverde del Camino antiforms are rooted units related to the propagation of southward-directed thrust systems that may branch onto the lower décollement level of the South Portuguese Zone; El Cerro de Andévalo is a structurally higher unit, mainly composed of allochthonous D1 thrust nappes. No evidence of sinistral transpression has been found in the transected cleavage and the strike of S3 with respect to S2. Better evidence of transpression is the moderately to steeply westerly plunging folds that show S-type asymmetry in down-plunge view. Variscan deformation in the Iberian Pyrite Belt is defined as the combination of a dominant southwards shear and a sinistral E-shear caused by oblique continental collision between the South Portuguese plate and the Iberian Massif.

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