New Paleomagnetic Constraints on the Cretaceous Tectonic Framework of the Antarctic Peninsula

Understanding the tectonic framework of the Antarctic Peninsula is hindered by a paucity of paleomagnetic data from key locations. In this study, we present paleomagnetic data from the South Shetland Islands, to the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula, which provides valuable paleoposition constraints on the Western domain of the Antarctic Peninsula. We report a key reliable paleopole (58.1°S, 354.3°E, A95 = 6.3°) from Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands at ∼102 Ma. Plate reconstruction models from the Early Cretaceous attach the South Shetland Islands to the Pacific margin of southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes at ∼140 Ma. The South Shetland Islands then experienced southward translation to its current position to the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula following counterclockwise rotation during ∼100–90 Ma. A similar counterclockwise rotation has also been identified from southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes but is absent in the Antarctic Peninsula, suggesting a direct affinity between the South Shetland Islands and southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes. However, the consistent, almost northward Cretaceous paleomagnetic declination in the Antarctic Peninsula, and the near‐synchronous tectonic‐magmatic history between the Antarctic Peninsula and the southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes support an autochthonous continental subduction model for most of the Antarctic Peninsula. Plain Language Summary In this study, we applied paleomagnetic constraints on the autochthonous continental subduction model and allochthonous terrane accretion model in the explanation of the tectonic framework of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our new data reveal a consistent counterclockwise rotation occurred both at the South Shetland Islands and southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes during ∼100–90 Ma, suggesting the affinity of these places. This is supported by the previous reported ∼140 Ma plate reconstruction, which attached the South Shetland Islands to the Pacific margin of southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes. However, the lack of significant tectonic rotation suggests that most parts of the Antarctic Peninsula were formed during the Pacific plate subduction and support an autochthonous continental subduction model. Key Points We have obtained a key mid‐Cretaceous paleopole (58.1°S, 354.3°E, A95 = 6.3°) from the Byers Peninsula, South Shetland Islands South Shetland Islands located at the Pacific margin of southern Patagonia‐Fuegian Andes during the Early to mid‐Cretaceous Consistent almost