Research

My research investigates tectonic models in the central Andes, focusing on the Altiplano Basin. I integrate provenance data with new U-Pb geochronology and (U-Th)/He thermochronology data through detrital zircon double dating. This study aims to examine the role of orogenic taper versus reactivation of pre-existing weaknesses in controlling the width and exhumation patterns in the central Andes. Additionally, this research will discriminate between competing models for the tectonic evolution of the central Andes by examining links between tectonic processes and sedimentary basin formation. Insights gained from this study could fundamentally alter our understanding of the paradigmatic system in the Andes and, consequently, of ocean-continent subduction systems.

Teaching

UBC courses

EOSC 323 Structural Geology

EOSC 320 Sedimentology

EOSC 222 Geological Time and Stratigraphy (x2)

EOSC 118 Earth's Treasures: Gold and Gems
 

 

 

Publications

Moretti, I., Baby, P., Alvarez, P., Villegas, R., 2023. Subduction and Hydrogen Release: The Case of Bolivian Altiplano, Geosciences, 13 (4), 109. 

Saylor, J., Sundell, K., Perez, N., Hensley, J., McCain, P., Runyon, B., Alvarez, P., Cardenas, J., Usnayo W., Valer, C., 2023. Basin formation, magmatism, and, exhumation document southward migrating flat-slab subduction in the central Andes, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 606.

García, R., Alvarez P., Yanateli, E., 2018. Succession of Valle Escondido: Record of the Climate and Sedimentary Transition of Miocene - Pliocene Age on the Altiplano - Eastern Cordillera edge, XXIII Bolivian Geological Congress, Oruro-Bolivia. 

Andrade, R., Muñoz, A., Alvarez, P., 2016. Paleofauna of the Catavi Formation (Upper Silurian) Exposed by the Chacaltaya Glacial Retreat, La Paz – Bolivia, IX Latin American Congress of Paleontology, Lima-Peru.

Conference and Abstracts

Alvarez P., Saylor J., 2024. Tracking Exhumation and Orogenic Taper in the Cenozoic Central Andes of Southern Peru using Detrital Zircon Double Dating. In Geological Society of America Connects 2024, Anaheim-California.

Martin, S. G., Saylor, J., Alvarez, P., Rafeeza, M., Kopystecki, H., Restrepo, J., 2024, Regional chronostratigraphy highlights asynchronous foreland-to-hinterland transition in the central Andes’ Altiplano Basin. In Geological Society of America Connects 2024, Anaheim-California.

Alvarez P., Garcia R. 2019. Tectonic deformation of Trilobites in the Cieneguillas Formation (Lower Ordovician) Southern Eastern Cordillera. In annual contest Estuferia 2019 UMSA, La Paz-Bolivia.