Geomorphological dynamics and human interactions in a semiarid valley in Northwestern Argentina: The Cafayate depression (Salta Province)

The aim of this study was to record the changes in Cafayate region, Northwestern Argentina, over last 50 years (1969–2019), with a focus on fluvial and dune systems, together human activity. multi-temporal analysis different kinds remote sensor images field surveys allowed us establish that final section Santa María River shows meandering channel whose arrangement morphology have substantially changed since 1969. has moved from northern position 1969 current location, giving rise shortening length 11756 m 8217 m, increasing its gradient 0.10% (1969) 0.14% (2019), sinuosity index falling 2.85 2, although lateral erosion meanders remained very active. floodplain supplies sands feed aeolian dynamics through close cycle favors development large fields, especially river stretches where there is transversal wind direction. Moreover, land use negatively impacted fluvio-aeolian system.