Structural Analysis from Radar Imagery, Eastern Panamanian Isthmus.
Abstract
The Panamanian Isthmus where three major crustal plates have apparently long interacted, records a strain pattern that can be used to help advance knowledge ot global tectonics. Recent radar coverage has provided this previously unobtainable surface geologic data. A belt of (individually) north-trending left-lateral en echelon anticlines nearly bisects Darien Province, extends northwestward across the Pacific Hills, and culminates in compound large-scale faulted folds adjacent to the east end of the Maje Range. Observed distortion within this belt is compatible with postulated left-lateral movement at depth between longitudinal blocks which constitute the Isthmus and paralled its trend. A similar strain pattern is in evidence in the Majr Range. The Panamanian Isthmus is situated in the southwest corner of the Caribbean plate which it is postulated, has been subject to compression from active translation of the South American plate. Eastern Panama has apparently been subject to left-lateral simple shear deformation because of the oblique orientation of the principal compressive stress relative to the nonhomogeneous make-up of the Isthmus. In addition, the Caribbean plate has been moving slightly eastward, relative to South America, and the drag between them may account for observed right-lateral transisthmian distortion, notably from San Miguel Bay northward to the Caribbean. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715322
Entities
People
- Richard S. Wing
Organizations
- University of Kansas