Geology of Península Valdés

Abstract

The surface of Península Valdés is gently cut, characterized by plateaus, sea cliffs, and spits as well as depressions caused by a complex process of tectonic, deflation, fluvial erosion, and mass wasting. Subsurface geology comprises early Paleozoic rocks, Jurassic volcanics, Cretaceous continental deposits, and Paleogene and Neogene deposits. The oldest rock outcrops are the marine sediments deposits with pyroclastic contribution of early Miocene age. These deposits are covered by sandstones and mudstones of coastal environment and late Miocene age. On these sediments rest gravel beds of the late Pliocene—early Pleistocene. Other deposits, aeolian, coastal, and coastal marine origin are assigned to the Pleistocene and Holocene. The most important mineral economic resource of the region of geological origin is halite (NaCl) accumulated in the floor of the Salina Grande and Salina Chica endorheic basins. Salt has been exploited during the first quarter of this century. On the other hand, sand and gravel quarries are sporadically exploited for local use.