Geoparks and heritage conservation: possibilities and advances in the Cretaceous - Paleogene Yacoraite Formation outcrops at Maimará locality (Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province), northwestern Argentina.

VILLAFAÑE, PATRICIO GUILLERMO; CITTON, PAOLO; DE VALAIS, SILVINA; CARLOS A. CONSOLE GONELLA; DÍAZ-MARTÍNEZ, IGNACIO

Berlín

Congreso; 5th International YES Congress; 2019

Young Earth Scientists Network (YES Network)

The Quebrada de Humahuaca region, site in northwestern Argentina, is a key area of the Central Andes with a rich archaeological history, besides of plenty of unexploited natural resources and beautiful places. All this richness motivated that this region was recognized as Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2002. One of the most important elements to develop at this region are the geological outcrops. The Quebrada de Humahuaca is characterized by the preservation of rocks ranging since Precambrian to current age, with mostly of the periods represented. Although it exists a relevant background of general scientific knowledge from this region, it lacks a proper study related to geotourism, and its diffusion to community. Our contribution here is about the study and preservation of the Cretaceous - Paleogene strata cropping-out at Maimará locality. These strata are represented by epicontinental sea to continental facies. The main geological unit in this time-lapse is the Yacoraite Formation (Maastrichtian - Danian). At this locality, we found a diverse association of avian, dinosaur and other reptilian tracks, in addition to stromatolites recorded in lagoon facies, suggesting a quite diversity of dinosaurs before the K/Pg mass extinction. Since a few years ago, we are working with the local community and government in a project about geological heritage. At this first stage, we are completing both mapping procedures and conservation strategies of the main track-bearing surfaces around Maimara. We hope that these first stages of work will be base of the proposal the creation of a UNESCO geopark in the early future.