The Andes, Earth’s longest mountain range spanning approximately 9,000 kilometers, harbors an array of unique biodiversity.
The Andes, Earth’s longest mountain range spanning approximately 9,000 kilometers, harbors an array of unique biodiversity. Within its slopes reside a diverse population, from vicuñas and llamas to spectacled bears, Andean foxes, and the mighty Andean condor.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch, a geoscientist from the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center and Goethe University Frankfurt, along with an international research team, embarked on a study to trace the uplift history of the Andes Plateau.
The Andes Plateau, the second-largest in the world with an average elevation of four kilometers, is a pivotal region in South America’s ecological tapestry. Dr. Heiko Pingel, lead author and a geoscientist at the University of Potsdam, spearheaded the investigation into the Puna Plateau, situated in the south-central Andes of northwestern Argentina.
For years, the timing and manner of the plateau’s uplift have been subjects of dispute and contention. Previous estimates ranged widely, from 40 to 10 million years ago. This ambiguity hindered the comprehension of the forces shaping the plateau’s distinctive features and, consequently, the prevailing environment.
In their groundbreaking research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the team utilized stable hydrogen isotopes in ancient volcanic glass samples gathered during extensive fieldwork. This method provided a window into the altitude of the study area at different epochs.
The findings revealed a significant revelation: the Puna Plateau ascended by approximately two kilometers within a critical period between 13 to 9 million years ago during the middle to late Miocene. This distinct timeframe illuminated the geological transformation that shaped the region.
Mountains exert substantial influence on wind patterns, precipitation systems, and serve as both conduits and barriers for species dispersal. The revelations not only deepen our understanding of the geological processes in the central Andes but also offer invaluable insights into the evolution of biodiversity across South America.
Prof. Dr. Mulch underscores the interconnectivity of Earth’s systems and emphasizes the importance of geobiodiversity research in comprehending intricate processes of the past while forging solutions for the future. This study showcases how geological events like the uplift of the Andes Plateau have had profound and lasting impacts on the rich tapestry of life in South America.
In essence, the rise to prominence of Andes, the Earth’s longest mountain range played a pivotal role in shaping the diverse ecosystems that define this remarkable region, highlighting the interconnectedness of geological processes and biodiversity in the Earth’s dynamic history.
The research exemplifies how Earth’s geological evolution intertwines with the development of its vibrant life forms, emphasizing the significance of preserving and understanding these complex ecological systems for the future.