Wind-snow interactions at the Ojos del Salado region as a potential Mars analogue site in the Altiplano - Atacama desert region

We describe the general characteristics and interactions happening at a unique, potential new Mars analogue site, located in Altiplano Atacama Desert region: Ojos del Salado inactive volcano. The interaction between rare snowing events strong winds transported large masses of porous volcanic grains there could produce decimeter - meter thick buried snow fast, shielded against sublimation for extended periods (years). Subsurface temperature logging suggests that water ice melting is surface modification dominated by desiccation cryosphere wind activity – just like on Mars. first analysis aeolian area points to immature material sized coarse sand silt, indicates possibility larger occurrence winter when site inaccessible however further observations are necessary contains decameter scale megaripples, which unusual Earth also support understanding resemble features shallow subsurface with relevance supported here drilled cores evaporitic sediments presented carbonate, aragonite, anhydrite, talc clay minerals relevance. Though region generally felsic composition, basalts can be found hillside near Laguna Verde where effect extreme conditions (including UV radiation) rock weathering analysed. temperature, dryness, exposure, decreased atmospheric pressure elevated radiation together make unique it accessible up 5200 m altitude regular pick-up trucks via 5–6 h driving from Copiapo airport. • A described. Interaction dm snow. temperatures indicate rare. Surface activity. Evaporitic contain minerals.