Colombian Volcanic Rocks Push Back Timing of Central‑South America Collision

Geologists studying volcanic rocks in Colombia have found magnetic signatures that indicate the most intense tectonic collision between Central and South America occurred earlier than previously thought. The data show that major deformation had already begun to weaken by the late Miocene, implying that the peak of the collision happened well before that period. This new evidence rewrites the established timeline of continental convergence in the western hemisphere. By refining the age of the collision, scientists can better model the sequence of mountain‑building events and the evolution of the Andes. The revised chronology also informs regional geological mapping and may influence future research on seismic hazards linked to past tectonic activity.