Glaciation in the Cordillera Chile, Peru

Abstract

ln this paper, glaciallandfonns and glaciation witbin tbe catchment area of tbe longest source segment of tbe Apurímac River in tbe Cordil1era Chila are presented. GIacial landfonns tbat were examined tbroughout tbe landscape enabled to sketch tbe glacier evolution in tbe study region. Tbe modem glacial extent was mapped and compared with tbat mapped from 1955 aerial photographs. According to observations, tbe glaciation was much more extensive during tbe past Three major extents of Quatemary glaciation were distinguished, witb tbe oldest one extending far beyond tbe study area. Very rapid retreat of glacier tennini in tbe second half of tbe 20th century was recognized. Interpretations suggest tbat glaciers in tbe catchment area experienced a 60% decrease in surface area since 1955.