Microcontinent Breakup and Links to Possible Plate Boundary Reorganization in the Northern Gulf of California, México

Faults on microcontinents record the dynamic evolution of plate boundaries. However, most are submarine and difficult to study. Here, we show that southern part Isla Ángel de la Guarda (IAG) microcontinent, in northern Gulf California rift, is densely faulted by a late Quaternary-active normal fault zone. To characterize onshore kinematics this Almeja zone, integrated remote mapping using high-resolution satellite- drone-based topography with neotectonic field-mapping. We produced 13 luminescence ages from sediment deposits offset or impounded faults constrain timing offsets. found north-striking zone continue offshore south likely into nascent North Salsipuedes basin southwest IAG. Late Pleistocene Holocene indicate recent activity occurred last ∼50 kyr. These observations suggest kinematically linked continues as active fragmentation evolving IAG microcontinent may not yet be complete Pacific-North America boundary either fully localized onto Ballenas transform Lower Delfin pull-apart initial stage reorganization.