Geomorphological mapping and landforms characterization of a high valley environment in the Chilean Andes

Abstract Despite the wide diversity of landforms, there are only a few geomorphological maps of the Chilean Central Andes. In this study, we present a detailed geomorphological map on a 1:50.000 scale for the Diguillin Valley (Nuble Region, Chilean Andes), as a result of the interpretation of aerial photographs from the year 2000 provided by Aerophotometric Service of the Chilean Air Force (FACh). To represent the landforms, we used the French model and the morphoclimatic simplifications suggested by the Instituto Geologico Minero de Espana in 1: 50.000 scale cartography (Joly, 1966; Tricart, 1971). A total of 22 landforms of structural, glacial, gravitational and fluvial origin were identified over an area of 156 km2. The map shows the spatial distribution of the landforms and provides valuable information for the geomorphological evolution and environmental planning of the study area.