Eocene to recent rejuvenation of exhumation and deformation towards the central part of the Santander Massif: new insights into the tectonic evolution of the Eastern Cordillera, Colombia

The convergence between the core of the Santander Massif and the Pamplona Wedge (an eastern block of the Santander Massif) defined a set of north- to south-trending transpressional structures and curved oblique faults with a dextral (NE–SW) and sinistral (NW–SE) slip component, in a regional framework developed by indentation tectonics. These structures have an arched shape related to a buttressing effect during the development of the Pamplona Wedge. The Bucaramanga Fault and associated secondary structures (e.g. Suratá Fault) control the Eocene to recent exhumation of the central part and western area of the Santander Massif. Compressive tectonics with surface uplift along faults and back-stops located on the massif's outside boundaries (e.g. Mutiscua, Vetas, Morro Negro, Chinácota, Labateca and Aguas Calientes faults) restricts the exhumation of the Santander Massif. A compilation of published and new apatite and zircon fission-track and (U–Th)/He cooling ages along a transect between the Bucaramanga and the Guaicáramo faults is presented here to support the interpretation of Pre-Pleistocene episodic exhumation and deformation during the evolution of the central part of the Santander Massif.