Geological-geomorphological classification of the wetlands of Argentina

Abstract

Wetlands are ecosystems that provide humanity with very important resources and services, such as flood regulation, coast stabilization and protection against storms, water purification, among others. Likewise, they constitute a vital component of the trophic chain, habitat and genetic reservoir of species. Most of the wetland classifications are based on ecological or variable criteria that include hydromorphological aspects. They do not adequately consider the processes that give rise to wetlands and that therefore regulate their operation. Geomorphological and geological aspects have a central role, so they can be used as a classification criterion successfully. In Argentina, wetlands occupy a considerable surface; nevertheless, geologists have generally not been involved in their study in proportion to its relevance. In this contribution, a proposal for the classification of Argentine wetlands based on geological- geomorphological criteria is proposed by identifying and delimiting the geomorphological units that give rise to wetlands is essential to understand the mechanisms and workings of the dynamics of these environments, in addition to knowing the effect of environmental pressures. The main types proposed are: A) Marine littorals, B) Fluvial, C) Mixed (fluvial and littoral-marine environments), D) Aeolian, E) Lacustrine, F) Glacial, G) Volcanic, H) Mass wasting, I) Karst, J) Anthropic and K) Polygenetic. The differentiated types and subtypes, their main characteristics and distribution in the country are described, while providing examples of the main types distinguished.