It draws a large curve starting from the Yocavil valley in Salta
and Tucumán, spreading down Catamarca, La Rioja,
San Juan, Mendoza, Neuquén, La Pampa,
Río Negro and Chubut.
Climate
Generally dry, with rainfalls not exceeding the 200 mm (7.87
inches).
In the north it is warm and with summer rainfalls, whereas in the southern
part it is cool, with winter and spring rainfalls.
Landscape
This is a landscape of plains, bolsons, mountain
sides and plateaus.
The soils are generally arenous and there are also saline
and rocky areas.
Vegetation
The prevailing vegetation is xerophilous shrubby steppe, as wells
as annual, succulent and prennial plants.
Communities
Various climax communities have been identified:
Jarillal:
This association of several species of jarilla, combined in different
ways, constituting the most characteristic vegetation of the region.
Thorny steppe:
Compounded by thorny bushes, grass and cactuses.
Fauna
Many crepuscular or nocturnal species, with morphological and physiological
features related to life in arid environments.
Mammals:
Golden weasel, murine opposum, several types of bats,
foxes, skunks, wildcat, yaguarondí, puma,
Patagonian small ferret, mará, vizcacha, cuises,
pichiciego, mataco, peludos, piche llorón,
guanaco, etc.
Birds:
Partridge, martinetas, loro barranquero, cata serrana,
gallito copetón, gallito de arena, monterita,
hawk, small grey hawk, carancho, purple eagle,
jote, loro barranquero, etc.
Reptiles:
Lampalagua, coral, yarará, culebras,
lizards, iguanas, ututos, terrestrial turtles,
etc.
Amphibians:
Frogs, four eyed frog, toads.
Fish:
Yuscas, small catfish, viejas de agua, Criollo trout,
etc.
Human Activities
Pastoral subsistence. Important vine and vegetable crops,
and fruit crops in the south area. |
Surfing the South