Mazatan metamorphic core complex (Sonora, Mexico): structures along the detachment fault and its exhumation evolution

The Mazatán Sierra is the southernmost metamorphic core complex (MCC) of the Tertiary extensional belt of the western Cordillera. Its structural and lithological features are similar to those found in other MCC in Sonora and Arizona. The lower plate is composed of Proterozoic igneous and metamorphic rocks intruded by Tertiary plutons, both of which are overprinted by mylonitic foliation and N70°E-trending stretching lineation. Ductile and brittle–ductile deformations were produced by Tertiary extension along a normal shear zone or detachment fault. Shear sense is consistent across the Sierra and indicates a top to the WSW motion. The lithology and fabric reflect variations in temperature and pressure conditions during extensional deformation. The upper plate consists mainly of Cambrian–Mississippian limestone and minor quartzite, covered by upper Cretaceous volcanic rocks, and then by Tertiary syntectonic sedimentary deposits with interbedded volcanic flows. Doming caused uplift and denudation of the detachment, as well as successive low-angle and high-angle normal faulting across the western slope of Mazatán Sierra. An 18±3 Ma apatite fission-track age was obtained for a sample of Proterozoic monzogranite from the lower plate. The mean fission-track length indicates rapid cooling and consequent rapid uplift of this sample during the last stage of crustal extension.