The origin of Peruvian wetlands and their relationship with the geological-environmental processes of South America: A review

Cerna-Arrue A.; Aponte H. · Caldasia (2024) · DOI: 10.15446/caldasia.v46n2.104179

Resumen

Peru has various highly productive wetlands distributed in three geographical regions. These ecosystems have been subjected to many hydrometeorological, climatic, and anthropic events. Therefore, the analysis of its origin can identify changes in the geomorphic and hydrological environment and biologi-cal evolutionary processes. The objective of this article was to synthesize the existing information about geological-environmental processes that define the origin of current Peruvian wetlands. As a result of a systematic compilation of the literature (using the Science Direct, Scopus, and Scielo platforms), 144 articles related to its recent history were found. The origin of Andean wetlands is directed by tectonic processes (between 16 Ma and 4 Ma), deglaciation (after the Last Glacial Maximum), warming (during the Holocene), and water outcrop. The Amazonian wetlands have their origin in 24 Ma from a fluvial system, passing through a mega-wetland phase (Pebas) and acquiring their current configuration (drainage system) 2.5 million years ago. The formation of coastal wetlands is linked to four processes: marine incursions, meteorological events such as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation), human activities related to runoff, and groundwater seepage. The role of human activities in the current configuration of these wetlands was described. Also, the information gaps in the history of the wetlands in each region are identified.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur