Digital Geologic Cartography and Geochronologic Database of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and Adjoining Areas

Abstract

We present the first interactive digital geologic map of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB). The area covered by the cartography span 10° of Longitude (106°- 96° W) and 2°45’ of Latitude (19°-21°45’ N). The geology has been compiled in ArcGIS through an interpretation of all the information available in the literature and integrated with our own geologic mapping. Published maps were digitized from printed copies; when possible, the location of features with clear morphological expression was corrected using digital elevation models within the GIS. The map includes 36 geologic units, faults, volcanic vents, and calderas. The informal geologic units used in the compilation are chronostratigraphic and lithologic and were designed to emphasize the main volcanic episodes that make up this volcanic province. The age assignment for each unit has been cross-checked with a geochronologic database that includes 2009 ages, which can be displayed on the map with access to their attributes. Lithology of each polygon has been also checked against a large geochemical database compiled from the literature.