A broad range of processes acted simultaneously during the Quaternary producing relief in the Andes and adjacent foreland.
Orogenic processes are dominant north of 35°S, while to the south dynamic forces predominate.
A slab tearing south of 38°S is associated with retroarc extensional subsidence Between 35° and 38°S an asthenospheric anomaly is coincident with sites of neotectonic deformation South of 45°S predominate dynamic effects linked to a slab window.