Geomorphology and archaeology in two Preandean valleys from Northwest Argentina

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

Zaragoza - España

Conferencia; VI International Conference on Geomorphology; 2005

The purpose of this research was to compare prehispanic settlement patterns as a response to geomorphological landforms. Two preandean valleys from northwest Argentina (Tafí and La Ciénega) were studied from the geomorphological and archaeological point of view. The prehispanic human occupation of these areas were belonging to Tafí Culture (360 BC to 800 AC), and the most significant difference was its altitudinal location together with the geomorphological characteristics of each area. After to make a systematic photointerpretation of both areas we construct a GIS using archaeological, geomorphological and topographical information. We conclude that prehispanic settlements were adequate to different use preferences. La Ciénega valley, wich dominant geomorphological landforms are erosion glacis were mostly used as cattle area, while Tafí valley was used for residential settlement as well as for agricultural exploitation.