STRIKE-SLIP FAULTING AND BASIN FORMATION AT THE GUAYAPE FAULT -- VALLE DE CATACAMAS INTERSECTION, HONDURAS, CENTRAL AMERICA

by Mark Buchanan Gordon

DISSERTATION, Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, December, 1990

Electronic publication subject to Copyright © 1990 Mark Buchanan Gordon.
Reproduced with permission by Honduras Geology.

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CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABSTRACT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: The Chortís block is a continental, pre-Mesozoic terrane

Abstract
Introduction
Cacaguapa Schist

Structure
Age

Mesozoic record
Conclusions

Chapter 2: The Jurassic of Northern Central America (the Chortís block)

Introduction

Evolution of stratigraphic nomenclature

Historical note regarding age

Agua Fría Formation

Distribution
Lithology
Paleontology and age
Environment of deposition

Other Jurassic strata on the Chortís block?
Jurassic igneous rocks
Conclusions

Chapter 3: Neogene tectonics of the Chortís block: A wide zone of deformation responding to interaction between the North America and Caribbean plates

Abstract
Introduction
The Chortís block
Regional tectonic overview
North America-Caribbean plate boundary zone
Caribbean-Cocos plate boundary zone
Dextral Guayape fault
Description of tectonic provinces
Jalpatagua fault
Central America volcanic depression
Disrupted strike-slip faults
Honduras depression: Boundary between tectonic styles
Active intraplate strike-slip faults
N 60° W normal faults
Timing of tectonic activity
Seismicity
North America-Caribbean strike-slip events
Caribbean-Cocos plate boundary
Guayape fault region
Active intraplate strike-slip faults
Central America volcanic depression
North-striking grabens
Model of Neogene deformation
Discussion
Conclusions

Chapter 3 Figure Captions

Chapter 4: Stratigraphy and structural geology of the Valle de Catacamas region

Stratigraphy

Cacaguapa Schist

Augen Schist Member
Las Marías Member
Intrusion into basement

Honduras Group

Agua Fría Formation
Unnamed siliciclastic member
Shaly limestone unit

Yojoa Group

Volcanic unit
Shaly limestone unit
Atima Limestone
Interbedded sandstone

Valle de Angeles Group
Campantepe volcanic rocks
Late Tertiary (?) and Quaternary deposits

Stratigraphy of structural blocks

Sierra de Agalta (terrain I)
South side of Valle de Catacamas (terrain II)
East side of Guayape fault (terrain III)
Significance

Structural geology

Cacaguapa Schist
Agua Fría Formation
Sierra de Agalta Honduras Group
Yojoa and Valle de Angeles Groups
Northward dip of Campantepe volcanic rocks

Faulting associated with basin formation

General features
Microtectonic data analysis

Relations between structural blocks
Summary of Tectono-stratigraphic events in the Valle de Catacamas region

Chapter 4 Figure Captions

Chapter 5: Neogene dextral slip proposed for Guayape fault of Honduras based on basin geometry

Abstract
Introduction
Identification of the fault
Basin Geometry

Valle de Catacamas
Valley of Río Sico
Valle de Azacualpa
Valle de Jamastrán

Choluteca linear
Summary of evidence for dextral slip
Evidence for early sinistral slip
Discussion
Conclusions

Chapter 5 Figure Captions

Chapter 6: Structural features associated with the most recent episode of slip on the Guayape fault

Introduction

Offset streams?

Río Paulaya segment
Río Wampú segment
Río Guayambre-Río Patuca
Valle de Jamastrán
El Paraíso region
Choluteca linear
Discussion
Conclusions

Chapter 6 Figure Captions

CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND FUTURE WORK

Conclusions from fieldwork
Interpretive conclusions
Significance
Projects for future work

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Electronic publication subject to Copyright © 1990 Mark Buchanan Gordon.
Reproduced with permission by Honduras Geology.