Periglacial phenomena in high mountain areas in the northwestern of Argentina.

Abstract

Periglacial processes and features occur at high elevations inthe mountains of the Sierras Subandinas, Sierras Pampeanas,Cordillera Oriental, Puna and Cordillera del Límite of Argentina(22?28°S, 65?68°W). This paper outlines our knowledge of theseperiglacial processes and landforms, as reported in the literatureover the last 80 years. Landforms investigated include active andinactive rock glaciers, patterned ground, solifluction, proglaciallakes and other processes such as mineral segregation andconcentration. Fossil periglacial landforms are an indication ofpast climates. Knowledge of geocryological phenomena in thenorthwest of Argentina has contributed to a better understanding ofclimate change.