Tectonic analysis of the southern of María Cleofas Island from bathymetric and seismic data

The TsuJal geophysical survey was conducted during the spring of 2014 with the aim to characterize the crustal structure of western Mexico. This geophysical experiment focused on active geological formations such as subduction, faults, and accretionary prisms, which are related to the seismic and tsunamigenic activity. In this work, we used seismic and bathymetric data to characterize the interaction between the Rivera plate (RP) and the North America plate south of María Cleofas Island. By defining the structural trends and subsurface geology, we sought to understand the complexity of the tectonic framework of western Mexico. A migrated seismic section and bathymetric maps were generated via the acquisition and processing of TsuJal geophysical data. Bathymetric data show major seafloor structures related to two basins (Tres Marías and TsuJal), one canyon (Cocodrilo Canyon), and an uplift structure with a north–south trend (Sierra de Cleofas [SC]). Seismic data reveal a compressional regime related to the movement of the RP at the esternmost end of the seismic section and lack of deformation in sediments within the two basins found adjacent to SC. From the results of our data analysis as well as corroborating literature, we interpret an underthrusting of RP beneath the North America plate, causing a compressional tectonic regime with the formation of palm‐tree structures. The ack of deformation may be associated with a heated oceanic plate that facilitates the relative motion of the basement below the sediments.
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) –FOMIXJal
Ciencias de la Tierra y Cambio Global (CGL) Direccion General de Investigacion (DGI) Plan Nacional I+D+i [SPAIN]
National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Cruise JC098, RRS James Cook [UNITED KINGDOM]
Coordinacion de Plataformas Oceanograficas - Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (COIP/COPO/UNAM) J-GAP2013 Cruise (BO El Puma)
Unidad de Tecnologia Marina (Spain)
Secretaria de Marina (Mexico) Armada de Mexico (ARM) Holzinger
Secretaria de Defensa Nacional (Mexico)
Unidad Municipal de Proteccion Civil y Bomberos (Jalisco State, Mexico)
Unidad Municipal de Proteccion Civil y Bomberos (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
Unidad Estatal de Proteccion Civil y Bomberos (Nayarit State, Mexico)
Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (Mexico)
Reserva de la Biosfera (Islas Marias) CONANPSEMARNAT
Organo Desconcentrado de Prevencion y Readaptacion Social de la SEGOP
Depto. de Física de la Tierra y Astrofísica
Fac. de Ciencias Físicas
TRUE
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