South America’s Natural Wonders: Patagonia, Neuquen Basin, Atacama Desert, and Across the Andes

This book guides readers through the most iconic, geologically significant scenery in South America, highlighting features of interest and describing how they came to be. It explores the foothills of the Andes in western Argentina, the Andes transect, and the premier wine country around Mendoza, Argentina, and the Colchagua Valley, Chile. It is written in easy-to-understand language and is suitable for those with no geologic training as well as for professionals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

South America is a continent rich in natural beauty and geological wonders,spanning from the icy peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon. In this book,we embark on a journey through some of the most iconic and geologically significant landscapes in South America,exploring their features,origin,and impact on the region.

Starting in southern Patagonia,we delve into the glacial landscapes that have shaped the region over millions of years. We examine the foothills of the Andes,where the forces of tectonic plates have pushed and folded the rock layers,creating stunning mountain ranges and valleys. We also explore the impact of glaciation on the landscape,including the formation of lakes,glacial moraines,and the carving of breathtaking fjords.

As we journey across the Andes,we encounter the vibrant volcanic activity that has shaped the region's landscape. We visit active volcanoes,such as Mount Vesuvius in Italy and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines,and learn about the processes that drive volcanic eruptions and the formation of volcanic landscapes. We also explore the mineral deposits that have been formed by volcanic activity,including the famous copper mines in Chile and the gold mines in Peru.

Continuing our journey,we cross the Andes and explore the Atacama Desert of Chile. This arid region is known for its unique geological features,including salt flats,desert plains,and the world's largest hot spring. We learn about the processes that have shaped the desert,including the uplift of the Andes and the erosion of the rock layers by wind and water. We also explore the rich biodiversity of the desert,including the unique species of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh environment.

Finally,we follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and explore the premier wine country around Mendoza, Argentina, and the Colchagua Valley, Chile. We learn about the geological processes that have contributed to the formation of these wine regions,including the uplift of the Andes and the erosion of the rock layers by water. We also visit some of the famous wineries and vineyards in the region,and taste the delicious wines that have been produced for centuries.

South America's Natural Wonders is a comprehensive guide to the geology and landscapes of South America. It is written in easy-to-understand language,making it accessible to individuals with no background in geology. It also serves as a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate-level students taking courses in earth.

In conclusion,South America's Natural Wonders is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore and understand the geological wonders of this incredible continent. It provides a wealth of information and insights into the formation of the region's landscapes,including the forces of tectonic plates,volcanic activity,and erosion. It also serves as a valuable resource for teachers and students of earth science programs,helping them better understand their local geologic environment and geography.

Weight: 900g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032670065