Elucidating the tectonic evolution of the Southern Canadian Cordillera: A comprehensive analysis of the enigmatic orogenic processes and structural architecture.

Abstract

This thesis reconstructs the present-day orogenic architecture diagram of the Southern Canadian Cordillera, focusing on the complex interplay of orogenic processes from the Mid-Jurassic to the Cenozoic. Through detailed analysis of stratigraphic, structural and geochronological data this study identifies major tectonic units and their kinematic relationships, which will shed light on the enigmatic nature of this region and provide insights into the region’s geological evolution. In this study the orogenic architecture diagram displays the schematic obduction of the Cache Creek-marine accretionary complex- onto Stikinia (a plutonic arc formation) and significant crustal thickening within the Omenica Belt. These events, alongside deformation, sedimentation and metamorphism in the region have been synthesized in the orogenic architecture diagram, which provides a comprehensive overview of the Cordillera’s development. This in combination with the detachment in thre lower crust of the region played a crucial role in shaping the regions geological history.And by linking these tectonic events across the orogen progress can be made in deciphering the enigmatic nature of the Southern Canadian Cordillera.