Glaciation of the region of the Caviahue-Copahue caldera (Neuquén province): a reinterpretation

Abstract

The previous suggestion of their being two glaciations («first» and «second») in the Caviahue-Copahue region and neighbouring areas is modified. New studies led to the interpretation of a single glacial episode. Deposits in Hualcupén and Pillun-Challa valleys, related to a rock-avalanche and a huge slide respectively, were confused as terminal moraines of a «second» glaciation. The hummocky surface of those accumulations and their morphological similarity to moraine landscape, probably are the main reason for the misunderstanding. In another recent contribution, other authors also propose two phases of glaciation in the region (Caviahue Drift and Trolope Drift), without consistent evidence and based only on the earlier publications.