Field Trip 2 - Neoproterozoic-early Paleozoic tidal deposits of NW Argentina
Unfortunately, this field trip has been cancelled
Preconference, 3 days (November 13th-15th)
Leaders: Vanina Lopez de Azarevich1 and Miguel Azarevich2
1. CEGA-INSUGEO-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
2. CEGA-INSUGEO-CONICET, Salta, Argentina
Contact: vlllopez@yahoo.com.ar; miguel_azarevich@yahoo.com.ar
Introduction:
The northwest from Argentina is an interesting place for observation of ancient tidal-influenced environments recorded for Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic ages. During the field trip we will visit typical localities that preserve great exposures of these paleoenvironmental settings in the following units: Puncoviscana Formation (Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian) and Meson Group (Medium-Late Cambrian).
The NW Argentina is well known to be one of the touristic sites more visited by people of the whole world. Salta city is included among the 5 more beautiful provinces of the world by UNESCO, for its great variety of views and gentleness people. Salta city has an international airport and all hotel categories, and huge gastronomic variety. Climate is dry during winter and wet during summer.
Description:
The fieldtrip goes all the way across Eastern Cordillera (Cordillera Oriental), from the semidesertic areas of Los Cardones National Park and Humahuaca Creek, to the rain forest in the way Salta-Jujuy along National Route Nº 9. Classical localities of the Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian and Middle-Late Cambrian of NW Argentina will be visited across a W-E transect.
During the fieldtrip the main Neoproterozoic and Early Paleozoicgeological units will be surveyed and sedimentary units recording tidal paleoenvironmental systems will be especially regarded,with additional recognizance of the Mesozoic stromatolite units.
DAY 1: The field trip starts the first day at the Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian (Ediacara-523 Ma) Puncoviscana Formation, which registers marine clastic sedimentation in a tidal-influenced setting, outcropping along the Calchaquí Valley. Foreshore, nearshore and off-shore facies are recorded with nice exposures of tidal rhythmites and multidirectional flows’ structures. Lunch is program in the wonderful city of Cachi. After the field work, we will drive through the Tertiary continental deposits along La Flecha Creek, and arriving Molinos town for sleep. A short wine-tour is planned.
DAY 2: During the second day, transect will continue to Salta city, arriving for lunch time approximately. Driving along the Cretaceous-Eocene marine-continental basin along Las Conchas Creek gives this drive an annex enjoyment for recognition of stromatolitic sequences of the Maastrichtian-Danian ingression. Wonderful natural erosive architectures will be survey as well. After lunch, trip goes on around Salta with the purpose of recognition of the Middle-Late Cambrian sequences of the Meson Group. This siliciclastic basin was deposit discordantly over the Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian sedimentites and represents tidal flat deposits with wide development of sand bars and tidal channels.
DAY 3: During the third day, the W-E transect will complete towards León-Volcán quarries (Neoproterozoic carbonates) and finally Purmamarca town (lunch site) within the Humahuaca Creek, where asymmetrical tidal currents and intertidal deposits are registered. Typical fauna as guanacos and llamas, as well as Andean cultural sites give an extra magnification to the natural scenery beauty. Lipan Slope will be drove if time-frame is good for visit the Early-Middle Cambrian transition arriving the Salinas Grandes salar, where the Salt Hotel is placed and the sodium chloride is exploited in pools.
Time frame
Day 1: Departure from central Square of Salta city, on November13th, 8:30 AM. Travel Salta-Cachi, visit to Palermo Oeste stop, lunch, visit to Rancagua stop. Arrival to Molinos town at 7:30 PM. Night in Molinos town is included in the budget.
Day 2: Departure from accommodation site, on November14th, 7:30 AM. Travel Cafayate-Salta along Las Conchas Creek. Arrival to Salta city at 13:30 PM, lunch. Visit to Middle-Late Cambrian deposits in classical localities near Salta. Arrival to Salta city at 7:30 PM. Night in Salta city.
Day 3: Departure from central Square of Salta city, on November15th, 8:30 AM. Travel Salta-Quebrada de Humahuaca. Visit to León-Volcán and Purmamarca stops, lunch, visit to the Early-Middle Cambrian transition along Lipán slope, visit to Salinas Grandes salar. Arrival to Salta city at 6:30 PM. Night in Salta city.
Transportation
Mini-bus or VAN-type vehicles or Toyota 4x4 trucks, depending on the participant’s number.
Degree of difficulty and weather
Medium degree of difficulty, with some short walks and moderate climbing; most outcrops are close to the road. Weather in November is mostly dry and windy during the afternoon, with temperatures about 18-35° Celsius during the day and 10-15º Celsius during the night. Solar radiation is high during the day, so would be needed hats and solar protection creams. Occasional rains can occur during the evening in Salta city during end of spring and summer times.
Highest places to passing by are Piedradel Molino (3,348 masl) and Lipán Slope (4,170 msal). In those some discomfort due to the height could occur as head-ache or stomach-ache.
As some delay could happen during the trip, it wasplanned so participants can book any flight from Salta to Buenos Aires for Monday morning (16th November).
Number of participants: minimum 7 - maximum 15
Cost: Estimated cost about 500 USD/participant
Booking: Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt a deposit of USD 100 per person.
Note:
Accommodation in Salta city is not included in the budget. Breakfast and dinner are not included in the budget. Lunch is considered in the budget and includes a main course, dessert and cold drinks. It does not include alcoholic drinks. Accommodation in Molinos town is planned and included in the budget.