Post-Paleozoic tectonics of northeast Mexico and its role in the evolution of the Gulf of Mexico.

Abstract

The Mesozoic sedimentary evolution of NE Mexico is shown by means of several regional paleogeographic maps.Also, on the basis of different styles of folding, an alternative model for the Early Tertiary deformation of NE Mexico is proposed, as well as a plate tectonics set of paleo-reconstructions, based mainly upon the existence of several NW trending sinistral transcurrent faults and one NNW dextral transcurrent fault (Tamaulipas-Oaxaca Fault), along which the Yucatan block moved southward (Late Jurassic) from its former position at the present site of the Gulf of Mexico.-Author