Transversal morphostructural lineaments of the Andes

Abstract

The mountain belt of the Andes was subdivided (using formalized attributes) into mountain countries, megablocks and blocks which are divided with lineaments of 1st, 2nd and 3rd rank and main shift zones. The established transversal lineaments are manifested in relief by system of linear depressions (including linear reaches of valleys), steps and scarps. The lineaments divide regions differing in the relief's appearance (altitudes and direction of topographic elements as well as their combinations), in rocks age and thickness, in volcanism type. In general the large subdivisions (mountain countries) coincide with regions distinguished by other research workers. Many of transversal lineaments (mostly those of. the 3rd rank) are first established by the author. Epicenters of strong crustal earthquakes are situated at lineaments junctions. The earthquakes of that type are not known in volcanic mountain countries.