The Andean thrust systems in the Chilean Frontal Cordillera correspond to doubly-vergent thick-skinned thrust faults.
Shortening of previous rift systems and basement highs constitute the main tectonic processes during the Andean deformation.
The Andean deformation in the region started as early as Late Cretaceous.
Propagation of large basement east-vergent mega-ramps have provided a minimum of 18 km ok shortening in the region.