Characteristics of two Rock Glaciers in the arid Argentinean Andes based on initial surface investigations

ARENSON, L.U.; PASTORE, S.; TROMBOTTO, D.; BÖLLING, S.; QUIROZ, M.A.; OCHOA, X.L.

Proceedings of the 63rd Canadian Geotechnical Conference / 6th Canadian Permafrost Conference

AB Calgary Canada

Lugar: Calgary; Año: 2010; p. 1501 - 1508

Abstract At high elevations of the Argentinean and Chilean Andes permafrost conditions can frequently be found in various forms from dry rocks to ice-rich soils. Its characteristics and conditions are of great importance to any development in these areas, particularly the role of the ground ice within the hydrological cycle. Preliminary investigations were initiated by Xstrata Copper San Juan, including surface geophysics, shallow boreholes and ground temperature monitoring, and test pit excavations. Active rock glaciers and ice-rich permafrost conditions are expected in the area. These initial results help studying the hydrological setting of the El Pachón valley of the San Juan Province, Argentina.