Geocryogenic Geomorphology, East Flank of the Andes Mendoza, at 33º S.L.

DARIO TROMBOTTO

05th International Conference on Permafrost

Tapir Publishers, Trondheim, Norway

Lugar: Trondheim, Noruega; Año: 1988; p. 263 - 267

Micro and meso geocr o enic forms and processes are reported above 4.000 m. The mean annual air temperature is about - 3 C. Discontinuos mountain permafrost has been determined based on thermal measurements and considerations. Sorted circles up to 6 m diameter, solifluction cracks and rock glaciers occur. The degree of activity of such forms is analysed. It is observed lobes and steps, boulder fields and detritic slopes, cryoplanation surfaces, thermal contraction that most geocryogenic forms are polygenetic and that the effect of rock type on the development of either micro and meso- forms is extremely important. Several kilometers of detritic slopes are underlain by ground ice on south facing slopes. Talus production is at present very high, it seems that it was still more important in the past, which is demonstrated by debris filled valleys. One of these is filled with gelifluction debris of two rock types (granite and metamorphites), which are in a remarkable white and black contact at the valley floor.