Geodynamic processes in the Andes 32°-34°S: Tectonics and geomorphology of the Andes: Interplay between short-term and long-term processes.

PINTO L., GIAMBIAGI L., TUNIK M., SEPÚLVEDA S., MOREIRAS S.M., FARIAS M. Y GREG H.

Tales set in stone

UNESCO

Año: 2012; p. 122 - 128

This project is a multinational, multidisciplinary and regional-scale research effort, whichintegrates young researchers from developing and developed countries. It also serves tostimulate interaction and research ties between different scientific institutions in the Americasand Europe (University of Chile, Argentinean Institute of Snow, Glaciology and EnvironmentalResearch, University of Comahue, International Center of Earthquake Research Montessus deBallore, Syracuse University; Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement and ToulouseUniversity). The project evaluates the interplay between the mechanisms that build the Andes, and thosedestructive sculpt its landscape. Convergent continental margins and subduction zones arefirst order features of Earth’s plate tectonics. The stresses generated at these boundaries driveinternal lithospheric deformation, resulting in topographic uplift, and a concomitant surfaceprocesses response that are intimately related and often governed by feedback mechanisms.The complex interactions of deformation and surface processes in the Andean subductionrelatedorogen represent the principal aim of our research project.