We analyze the structure and assess the deformation history of the Tierra Caliente Metamorphic Complex (TCMC) of southern Mexico, where Laramide accretion of exotic terranes is in debate. The TCMC consists of a south‐plunging antiform fault that is bounded on both its eastern and western flanks. Tierra Caliente Metamorphic Complex rocks show at least two phases of compressional deformation. The first and most prominent records a mean tectonic transport direction of 068°. This phase is responsible for east‐verging asymmetrical folding and thrusting of both metamorphic and superjacent sedimentary rocks. The second phase has an average transport direction of 232° and is restricted to the western portion of the TCMC. A third phase is responsible for normal faulting. Lack of discernible deformation before Late Cretaceous time indicates that the main deformation phase is coincident with Laramide orogenesis elsewhere in the North American Cordillera. The stratigraphy, structure, and deformational history of the TCMC do not require accretion of exotic terranes. We explain the Mesozoic tectonostratigraphic evolution of the TCMC in terms of deposition and deformation of Mesozoic volcanic and sedimentary strata over the attenuated continental crust of the North American plate.

中文翻译：

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约束墨西哥南部的晚中生代和早第三纪构造演化：Tierra Caliente 地区的结构和变形历史

我们分析了墨西哥南部 Tierra Caliente 变质复合体 (TCMC) 的结构并评估了变形历史，在那里，奇异地体的 Laramide 增生正在争论中。TCMC 由一条南向的反形断层组成，其东、西两翼都有界。Tierra Caliente Metamorphic Complex 岩石显示出至少两个压缩变形阶段。第一个也是最突出的记录平均构造运输方向为 068°。这一阶段是变质岩和上覆沉积岩向东不对称折叠和逆冲的原因。第二阶段的平均输运方向为 232°，仅限于 TCMC 西部。第三阶段负责正常故障。在晚白垩世之前缺乏可辨别的变形表明主要变形阶段与北美科迪勒拉其他地方的拉拉米德造山作用一致。TCMC 的地层、构造和变形历史不需要外来地体的增生。我们从北美板块衰减大陆地壳上的中生代火山和沉积地层的沉积和变形来解释 TCMC 的中生代构造地层演化。