Geological, morphoestructural and volcanic tipology maps of the Morelia region

Abstract

The 1:60,000 scale geological, morphostructural and volcanic typology mapping of the Morelia region (2,858 km²) is presented. All units previously defined have been revised and remapped based on an extensive literature review, LiDAR digital elevation models, 1:50,000 scale orthophotos, Spot 6 images and fieldwork. A total of 216 volcanic typologies were identified and projected on the morphostructural map containing 18 domains, which highlight the relevance of tectonic processes associated with volcanism. Twenty geological units were defined and successively grouped into six major geological events and one magmatic hiatus from the Oligocene to the Holocene (30 Ma – 3.2 ka), configuring the Morelia’s region volcanic landscape. The importance of geological cartography for the sustainable management of Natural Protected Areas and geological environmental problems is highlighted. It is concluded that geological and morphostructural maps represent a powerful tool to outline plausible geoconservation strategies as an alternative for the land management of the Morelia region.