Geomorphological mapping and landforms characterization of a high valley environment in the Chilean Andes

• Published in: Journal of South American earth sciences 2020-12, Vol.104, p.102918, Article 102918
• Main Authors: González, Matías Barrera, Rodríguez-Oroz, Delia, Alcalá-Reygosa, Jesús, Campos, Néstor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Central andes; Diguillín valley; Geomorphic processes; Geomorphological mapping; Landforms; Ñuble region
• ISSN: 0895-9811; 1873-0647
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsames.2020.102918

Despite the wide diversity of landforms, there are only a few geomorphological maps of the Chilean Central Andes. In this study, we present a detailed geomorphological map on a 1:50.000 scale for the Diguillín Valley (Ñuble Region, Chilean Andes), as a result of the interpretation of aerial photographs from the year 2000 provided by Aerophotometric Service of the Chilean Air Force (FACh). To represent the landforms, we used the French model and the morphoclimatic simplifications suggested by the Instituto Geológico Minero de España in 1: 50.000 scale cartography (Joly, 1966; Tricart, 1971). A total of 22 landforms of structural, glacial, gravitational and fluvial origin were identified over an area of 156 km2. The map shows the spatial distribution of the landforms and provides valuable information for the geomorphological evolution and environmental planning of the study area. •We present a detailed geomorphological map on a 1:50.000 scale for the Diguillín Valley, Ñuble Region.•It is the first detailed document reported and it could be an important support to carry out similar studies.•The map provides valuable information for the geomorphological evolution and environmental planning.•The map improves the knowledge of the Quaternary glaciations of the Chilean South -Central Andes Glacier advance could be even more extensive than in other nearby mountains areas.