Cuyo Region: Geography, Climate, and Natural Phenomena

Cuyo Region: Natural Conditions

The Cuyo region is characterized by its arid climate and high mountain environment. It features a rugged terrain formed by the Cordillera, where rainfall is insufficient. The population is primarily settled in fertile oases, including cities such as Mendoza, San Rafael, San Juan, and Luján de Cuyo.

Mountain Ranges

The Front Range is an integral part of the Puna, forming an environment with undifferentiated characteristics. A southern mountain axis emerges, with eastern offshoots separated by high valleys.

High Peaks and Isolation

The highest peaks stand in isolation along this continuous line of high mountains. Their height progressively decreases towards the south.

Precordillera of San Juan, La Rioja, and Mendoza

This range is formed by parallel ridges with flat tops. These ranges are crucial as they converge with numerous streams flowing from other mountain ranges, contributing significantly to water resources.

Valleys

Located between the Front Range and the foothills, these are depressions at approximately 1800 meters above sea level. This altitude results in low temperatures, which limits agricultural production and supports a sparse population.

Piedmont Plains

Situated east of the region, these are predominantly desert areas. However, they are home to vital oases and large cities such as Mendoza, San Juan, and San Rafael.

Geological Hazards in Cuyo

Seismic Activity

The Cuyo region is the most seismically active area of Argentina. The Nazca Plate is subducting beneath the South American Plate at a rate of 10 cm per year. This intense geological activity has significant implications for Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja, causing frequent seismic movements.

The organization of territory and land use in this region is closely related to water availability, which is why major cities are situated in flat areas adjacent to the mountains. However, this location also coincides with a highly active seismic fault line. Consequently, the placement of these cities is inherently risky, though their structures are built with enhanced seismic resistance.

The Zonda Wind

Originating from the west, the Zonda wind is both beneficial and challenging. While it can be beneficial for rainfall, heavy snow often disrupts passage to Chile, which is economically significant. Plans for ground crossings of the Andes were considered but proved too expensive.

As the Zonda descends the mountain slopes, it gains speed and transforms into a profoundly warm and dry wind. Its effects include:

• It can overwhelm people, affecting their cardiorespiratory system.
• It disproportionately affects low-income sectors.
• It damages crops if blowing during the flowering time of plants.
• It increases the risk of fire and can cause the death of animals.

Climate of Cuyo

The climate is semiarid, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. The Zonda wind is a notable feature, characterized by its warmth and sultriness. It originates over the Pacific Ocean. The region experiences extreme temperature variations between day and night, with intense heat during the day and cold evenings, leading to sandy soils due to low rainfall.