Mapping of permafrost and the periglacial environment, Cordón del Plata, Argentina

TROMBOTTO, DARIO

Zürich, Suiza

Conferencia; 8th International Conference on Permafrost. Permafrost; 2003

International Permafrost Association, University of Zurich

In this contribution a model of present permafrost distribution is being set up. The model comprises a mountain range of the Andean Cordillera, in the northern part of the province of Mendoza, the Cordón del Plata, Central Andes, Argentina, located between 32° 39' and 33° 24' S and 70° 14' and 70° 46' W with heights between 3450 m ASL (relict permafrost) and 6310 m ASL as maximum height (peak of the Cerro El Plata). The studied area covers a surface of approximately 2756 km2. Different methods are being applied to identify areas with Andean permafrost optimizing the scarce meteorological data and ground temperatures, compensating imperfections of already existing maps and trying to overcome the numerous geographical obstacles of almost unknown regions of extremely difficult accessibility (by land and air) as in the case of the "Filo de la Jaula". The compiled data are completed by periglacial geomorphology. Glaciers, areas with covered ice, areas with thermocarst and rock glaciers have been identified through different periods of time for a record of climatic variations. Moreover landforms indicating creeping permafrost and other types of permafrost, according to the applied classification of Andean permafrost types have been identified. Geophysical data on rock glaciers at the eastern slope of the mountain range, data from active layer drillings and information on areas of variable insolation and exposition are also considered to identify areas with permanently frozen ground.