K-Ar geochronologic evidence for a triassic metamorphic event in the main Chiloe Island, south-central Chile

Pioneers geological reconnaissance studies in the Chiloe Archipelago recognised a Palaeozoic metamorphic basement (Saliot, 1969; Watters and Fleming, 1972; Valenzuela, 1982; Valdivia, 1986). Currently in progress geologic studies (Munoz et al., 1999, Duhart et al., 2000; Antinao et al., 2000) interpreted these rocks as part of the Bahia Mansa Metamorphic Complex (Duhart et al., 2000), well exposed to the north and equivalent to the 'Serie Occidental' (Aguirre et al., 1972). Geochronologic data set indicate that this complex evolved during Devonian to Triassic times. In the main Chiloe Island, this metamorphic complex is mainly conform by metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks covered by Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic rocks and Quaternary glacial, fluvial, estuarine, beach, eolian and fluvial deposits. According to north-west and north-south lineament observed in satellite images, regional magnetic maps and topographic features, the main Chiloe island have been divide in northern, central and southern segments (Munoz et al., 1999). These lineaments are interpreted as regional faults but their ages and cinematic are not well constrained. The central segment was interpreted as an uplifted tectonic block and recent studies in the northern part of this segment have identified an intrusive body herein named as 'Metalqui Pluton'. Although the age of this pluton is unknown yet, Cretaceous intrusive rocks in the same tectonic setting of the Metalqui Pluton have been reported in the Valdivia area (Munizaga et al., 1988; Duhart et al., 1998). Previous U-Pb radiometric ages for detrital zircons from pelitic schists in the northern segment indicated a maximum sediment deposition age during Early to Middle Devonian (Duhart et al., 1999). Also, Triassic K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar ages have been determined for the main metamorphic and tectonic event. This contribution report Triassic K-Ar ages for the central segment and discuss their regional significance (au)