Landscapes and Landforms of Colombia (World Geomorphological Landscapes)

This book provides an attractive and informative overview of Colombian landscapes and their geological evolution, including comprehensive descriptions of seventeen key selected sites in the country. It provides insight into the geomorphological diversity of Colombian landscapes characterized by climatic and topographic variation. The book covers the essence of the landscapes in the country: coastal features, mud volcanoes, desertic geoforms, snow covered peaks, active volcanoes, deeply incised canyons and subdesertic valleys. It contributes knowledge and understanding into Colombian landscapes and prospects. Foreword 7 Preface 9 Series Editor Preface 11 Acknowledgments 12 Michel Hermelin Arbaux [1937–2015] 13 Contents 14 Abbreviations 16 Short Biodata of Authors 17 1 Geomorphological Landscapes and Landforms of Colombia 20 Abstract 20 1.1 Introduction 20 1.1.1 Presentation of the Country 20 1.1.2 Relief 21 1.1.3 Geology 21 1.1.4 Climate 24 1.1.5 Hydrology 28 1.1.6 Geomorphology 28 1.1.7 Soils and Vegetation 31 1.1.8 Selected Geomorphosites and Landscapes 35 References 40 2 Cabo de La Vela (``La Vela'' Cape) and Surroundings 41 Abstract 41 2.1 Location 41 2.2 Regional Aspects 41 2.3 Geology 42 2.4 Geomorphology 45 2.5 Vegetation and Land Use 51 2.6 Cultural Aspects 51 2.7 Further Recommendations 52 References 52 3 Mud Diapirism in the Central Colombian Caribbean Coastal Zone 53 Abstract 53 3.1 Introduction 53 3.2 Geological Framework 54 3.3 Geomorphological Characteristics 56 3.3.1 Landforms Associated with Mud Diapirism 57 3.3.2 Mud Volcanoes 57 3.3.3 Natural Resources Associated to Mud Volcanoes 62 3.4 Geological Hazards Associated to Mud Volcanism 66 Acknowledgments 70 References 70 4 The Arboletes-Punta Rey Littoral, Southern Caribbean Coast 72 Abstract 72 4.1 Introduction 73 4.2 Physical Context of the Arboletes-Punta Rey Littoral 73 4.3 The Historical APR Coastline Evolution 76 4.4 Concluding Remarks 77 References 79 5 La Playa Badlands and Their Earth Pillars 81 Abstract 81 5.1 Introduction 81 5.2 Historical Background 81 5.3 Geology 84 5.4 The Estoraques 85 5.5 Conclusions 88 References 88 6 The Chicamocha River Canyon 89 Abstract 89 6.1 Introduction 89 6.2 Climate 89 6.3 Geological Aspects 91 6.4 Geomorphological Evolution 94 References 98 7 The El Cocuy Snowy Range 100 Abstract 100 7.1 Introduction 100 7.2 Previous Studies 100 7.3 Geology 101 7.4 Ice Retreat 110 7.5 Geomorphology 112 7.6 Access and Recommendations 113 References 113 8 Tota Lake 114 Abstract 114 8.1 Introduction 114 8.2 Geology 115 8.3 Geomorphology of the Lake Basin 116 8.4 Origin of the Lake 118 8.5 Hydrological Aspects 120 8.6 Lake Sediment Filling 121 Acknowledgments 121 References 121 9 Guatavita Lake 122 Abstract 122 9.1 Introduction 122 9.2 Regional Geology 124 9.3 Hypotheses on the Origin of the Lake 125 9.4 Archeological Significance 128 References 129 10 Bogot00E1 ``Savanna'' 130 Abstract 130 10.1 Introduction 130 10.2 Geology 131 10.3 Geomorphology 134 10.4 Geomorphic Evolution 134 10.5 Tequendama Waterfall 139 10.6 Conclusions 140 References 140 11 The Tatacoa Desert 142 Abstract 142 11.1 Introduction 142 11.2 Climate 143 11.3 Geology 145 11.4 Geomorphology 150 11.5 Itineraries 151 References 151 12 Inselbergs Near Medell00EDn 153 Abstract 153 12.1 Introduction 153 12.2 Historical Background 153 12.3 Geological and Geomorphological Description 155 12.4 Origin of the Inselbergs 157 12.5 The Guatap00E9 Inselberg (El Peñol de Guatap00E9) 157 12.6 Other Neighboring Inselbergs 162 12.7 The Entrerr00EDos Inselberg 162 12.8 Conclusions 166 References 166 13 Inter-Andean Cauca River Canyon 168 Abstract 168 13.1 Introduction 168 13.2 Geodynamic Setting 169 13.3 Geology 169 13.4 Geomorphologic Setting 171 13.4.1 Segment One: From Canyon to Valley 172 13.4.2 Segment Two: From Valley to Canyon 175 13.4.3 Segment Three: From Canyon to Valley Again 176 13.5 Proposed Geotouristic Itinerary 179 References 179 14 Geomorphological Characteristics of the Ruiz Volcano and Surroundings 180 Abstract 180 14.1 Introduction 180 14.2 Recent Eruptive History 183 14.2.1 Geomorphology 188 References 194 15 The Purac00E9 Region 196 Abstract 196 15.1 Introduction 196 15.2 Structural Setting of the Volcanic Purac00E9 Region 197 15.3 Geological and Geomorphological Aspects of the Purac00E9 Volcanic Region 198 15.4 Paletara Caldera 199 15.5 Coconucos Volcanic Chain 199 15.5.1 Purac00E9 Volcano: Ancient and Recent Structures 200 15.5.2 Chagarton Caldera 200 15.5.3 Pre-Purac00E9 Volcano 200 15.5.4 ``Purac00E9 Actual'' Volcano 201 15.6 Paletar00E1 Valley and Other Volcanic Structures in the Purac00E9 Region 202 15.7 Accessibility 204 Acknowledgement 204 References 204 16 Geomorphological Features of the Galeras Volcanic Complex 206 Abstract 206 16.1 Introduction 206 16.2 Geological Background 208 16.3 The Galeras Volcanic Complex 209 16.3.1 Pre-Galeras History 209 16.3.2 The Galeras volcano 210 16.4 Main Geomorphologic Features 211 16.4.1 Glacial Erosion 212 16.4.2 The Caldera Walls 212 16.4.3 The Active Crater 213 16.4.4 Ash Fall Deposits 214 16.4.5 Structural Landforms 214 16.4.6 The La Guaca Cinder Cone 215 16.5 Visiting Galeras 215 References 215 17 The Guamu00E9z (La Cocha) Lake 216 Abstract 216 17.1 Location and General Setting 216 17.2 Historical Aspects 218 17.3 Vegetation 218 17.4 Geology 219 17.5 Tectonics 220 17.6 The Indigenous Legend 222 17.7 The Sibundoy Valley 222 References 223 Index 224 Front Matter....Pages i-xxiii Geomorphological Landscapes and Landforms of Colombia....Pages 1-21 Cabo de La Vela (“La Vela” Cape) and Surroundings....Pages 23-34 Mud Diapirism in the Central Colombian Caribbean Coastal Zone....Pages 35-53 The Arboletes-Punta Rey Littoral, Southern Caribbean Coast....Pages 55-63 La Playa Badlands and Their Earth Pillars....Pages 65-72 The Chicamocha River Canyon....Pages 73-83 The El Cocuy Snowy Range....Pages 85-98 Tota Lake....Pages 99-106 Guatavita Lake....Pages 107-114 Bogotá “Savanna”....Pages 115-126 The Tatacoa Desert....Pages 127-137 Inselbergs Near Medellín....Pages 139-153 Inter-Andean Cauca River Canyon....Pages 155-166 Geomorphological Characteristics of the Ruiz Volcano and Surroundings....Pages 167-182 The Puracé Region....Pages 183-192 Geomorphological Features of the Galeras Volcanic Complex....Pages 193-202 The Guamuéz (La Cocha) Lake....Pages 203-210 Back Matter....Pages 211-219