Characteristics of two Rock Glaciers in the Dry Argentinean Andes Based on Initial Surface Investigations

Lukas U. Arenson, Silvio Pastore, Darío Trombotto Liaudat, Sascha Bolling, Mauricio A. Quiroz, Xavier L. Ochoa

In the proceedings of: GEO2010 Calgary: 63rd Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 6th Canadian Permafrost Conference

Session: T2-E

ABSTRACT: At high elevations of the Argentinean and Chilean Andes permafrost conditions can frequently be found in various forms. Its characteristics 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, ground temperature monitoring, and test pit excavations. With focus on two active rock glacier, multi-faceted investigations confirmed the permafrost setting and evidenced presence of subsurface ice. These initial results help studying the hydrological setting of the El Pachón valley of the San Juan Province, Argentina.

RÉSUMÉ: À haute altitudes de l'Andes de l'Argentine et du Chili pergélisol peuvent être trouvées fréquemment dans diverses formes de pierres sèches aux sols riches en glace. Les caractéristiques et les conditions son d'une grande importance pour les développements dans ces domaines, en particulier le rôle de la glace de sol dans le cycle hydrologique. Enquêtes préliminaires ont été initiées par Xstrata Copper San Juan, y compris de la surface géophysique, de forage peu profonds et de surveillance de la température au sol, et les tranchées de test. Glaciers rocheux actif et les conditions de pergélisol riche en glace ont été confirmés dans la vallée El Pachón de la province de San Juan, Argentine.

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