Active fault systems and tectono-topographic configuration of the central Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

The central Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) reflects the interplay between three regional fault systems: the NNW–SSE to NW–SE striking Taxco–Querétaro fault system, the NE–SW striking system, and the E–W striking Morelia–Acambay fault system. The latter is the youngest and consists of fault scarps up to 500 m high, whose formation caused structural and morphological reorganization of the region. In this paper, we investigate possible activity of the three systems within the central TMVB, and assess the role that they play in controlling the tectono-topographic configuration of the area. Our study is based on DEM-derived morphometric maps, longitudinal river profiles, geomorphologic mapping, and structural field data concerning recent faulting. We find that all three regional fault systems are active within the central TMVB, possibly with different displacement rates and/or type of motion; and that NNW–SSE and NE–SW striking faults control the major tectono-topographic elements that build up the region, which are being re-shaped by E–W striking faults. We also find that tectonic information can be deciphered from the topography of the youthful volcanic arc in question, regardless its complexity.