Cryonival Landforms In Meseta Latorre, Southern Extra-Andean Patagonia, Argentina

Active cryonival features developed between 700-1064 m a.s.l. at Meseta Latorre, southwest Argentina, are presented for first time. Mean monthly air temperature and mean annual air temperature were calculated using Vertical Thermal Gradient for the upper part of Meseta Latorre, Punta Gruesa, based on meteorological data from the nearest weather station located at El Turbio. Landforms were recognized during fieldwork and later by texture patterns recognition on imagery; then they were digitalized and mapped. Stone-circles, turfbanked terraces and solifluction lobes and stone-banked terraces are frequent. Santa Cruz Formation erosive remnants are interpreted as "tors", partially formed by frost-weathering. High-elevation wetlands ("mallines") and tundra vegetation are present. The results allow us to confirm that Meseta Latorre is located in a present intensive seasonal freezing periglacial environment.