This study’s purpose is to learn more about the deterioration date and process in the Salar de Pedernales wetlands, specifically Azonal Hydrological Terrestrial Vegetation Systems (SVAHT in Spanish), that show signs of deterioration. The research is based on the lack of current methodologies to estimate the approximate timing of vegetative deterioration in this unique high Andean saline environment. Therefore, it employs a forensic methodology using natural radionuclides (the 210Pb isotope) as a geochronometer, which can cover a time interval of up to 150 years. The study findings will provide crucial information on the dynamics and time course of wetlands in the Salar de Pedernales, which will contribute significantly to the understanding, management and preservation of high Andean ecosystems.
Client: Codelco, Salvador Division