Abstract

Lithospheric-scale fault systems control the large-scale permeability in the Earth's crust and lithospheric mantle, and its proper recognition is fundamental to understand the geometry and distribution of mineral deposits, volcanic and plutonic complexes and geothermal systems. However, their manifestations at the current surface can be very subtle, as in many cases they are oriented oblique to the current continental margin and to the axis of the magmatic arc; be partially obliterated by younger, arc-parallel faults; and also be covered by volcanic and sedimentary deposits, through which the fault might propagate vertically.