Degradation processes and archaeology at La Ciénega Valley – Northwest Argentina

NEDER, L.; IACULLO, A.; SAMPIETRO VATTUONE, M. M.

Ghante Belgica

Otro; Ol’ Man River. Geoarchaelogical aspects of rivers and river plains; 2006

Tucumán province is characterized by the presence of two well differenced relieves: oriental plain and the occidental mountain region. On this last unit is situated our study area formed by the upper part of two basins (La Puerta and La Ciénega rivers), located on Calchaquí Ranges between 2900 and 2500 masl. This sector is developed over igneous metamorphic rocks with a loessic cover of high degree of erosion susceptibility. Environmental conditions are favouring the degradation processes over pronouncing slopes, climatic extreme conditions, and scarce vegetal cover. Archaeological sites, belonging to Formative period (dated between 400 and 700 AC) are influenced by these factors. The actual use for ovine cattle contributes to the elimination of highland pastures and to the soil compaction. The most important degradation processes are derived from hydric erosion (evidenced by the presence of gullies and ravines that cuts archaeological structures) and mass movement processes. Piping processes were also observed.