It encompasses
the high mountains of the Argentine west, from Jujuy to Tierra
del Fuego.
The upper limit is the end of the continuous vegetation, whereas the lower
limit varies from a maximum of 4400 m (14436 feet) above
sea level in the north of the country, up to 500 m (1640 feet)
above sea level in Tierra del Fuego.
Climate
Typical of high mountain, cold and dry, with snowfalls
or hails in any season.
Landscape
Typical of mountain summits, with rocky soils, rocky
or sandy and loose. Very poor in organic matter, except in
the peat bogs, which serve as water reservoirs.
Vegetation
The characteristic vegetation is a steppe of gramineous plants
and plants forming plates and cushions.
Communities
Three districts have been identified, each one with several climax
communities.
Quichua district:
From Jujuy to La Rioja, between 4300 and 5600 m (14108
and 18373 feet) above sea level. The prevailing vegetation is the
steppes of iro, vizcachera, bitter coirón, cuerno
de cabra, etc.
Cuyo High-Andean District:
From San Juan to the north of Neuquén, among the 2200 m (7218
feet) and 4500 m (14764 feet) above sea level.
The prevailing vegetation is the gramineous steppes and steppes
of low-lying bushes not exceeding the 50 cm (19.70 inches).
Southern High-Andean District:
From the center of Neuquén up to Tierra del Fuego, between the 500
m (1640 feet) and 2000 m (6562 feet) above sea
level. The prevailing vegetation are gramineous steppes of various
species, and in some Regions there are communities of low-lying bushes.
Fauna
Very similar to that of the Puna province, which surrounds it almost
completely, though remarkably more impoverished. There are various endemic
species such as lizards and aquatic frogs.
Human Activities
Practically non-existent. There may be transhumant pasturing
and some mining. |
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