Holocene climatic changes in central Region of Argentina: Geomorphological and historical evidences
by
Claudio A. Carignano
CRILAR-CONICET, Argentina
Coauthors: Marcela A. Cioccale (F.C.E.F y N., Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina)

Several lines of evidence concur to explain the climatic fluctuations that occurred in the central region of Argentina during the last 10.000 yr. The investigation was advanced in two principal way: on the one hand, a geographic model was elaborated; an the other, a temporal sequence for various climatic situations was developed. Different climatic episodes was repeated with various intensity and time, many of the principal geomorphologic features of region were developed in response to this climatic oscillation. During Latest Pleistocene - Early Holocene time, coinciding in part with the “Last Glacial Maximum”, a dry and cool climate resulted widespread aeolian sand and loess deposition. The Early to Mid - Holocene time was characterized by humid subtropical conditions which became established throughout the region, accompanied by pedogenic development profiles with prominent Bt horizons, and further modification of drainage network. During Mid – Late Holocene, these warm and humid conditions were replaced with semiarid climate, resulting in widespread aeolian deposition. Wind action formed deflation hollows and dune fields in several areas. During the last 1000 yr BP two significant events related to global changes occurred in the region: Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age. The first event was characterized by humid and warm climate and then during the LIA the occurrence of two cold pulses separated by an intermediate period has been established. These climatic changes modified the landforms, influenced the vegetation distribution and were one of the main factors for control of human activities during the last 1000 yr.

Date received: December 13, 2004

Copyright © 2004 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caod-62.