Paleosol-sediment sequence on the Argentine Altiplano
 

Paleosol-sediment sequence on the Argentine Altiplano (NW-Argentina, Humahuaca, 3300 m). The widespread surface soil is a Chromic Luvisol with a calcrete, best visible in the upper left part. This Luvisol is relictic and reflects much wetter former conditions, compared to the modern semiarid climate. According to 14C-datings, this relatively wet period occurred during the late-glacial period (around 15,000 yr BP). The better developed older paleosol, with a thick white calcrete, reflects wetter conditions before 40,000 yr BP.

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