Abstract

High mountain areas located at 33°S are very sensitive to temperature increases, and cryospheric elements, such as glaciers and rock glaciers, play a crucial role in water dynamics, especially during drought years. The central Andean region of Chile, shaped by Quaternary glacial and periglacial processes, is experiencing significant environmental changes due to climate warming. This study uses multitemporal LiDAR data from 2012 to 2024 to analyze geomorphological changes in the upper Yerba Loca watershed, dominated by retreating glaciers and periglacial processes. The area shows notable elevation decreases in pure ice glaciers, debris-covered glaciers, and rock glaciers, along with sediment accumulation from active debris flows. Significant glacier volume loss was observed, with pure ice glaciers losing up to 0.02 km3 and rock glaciers showing smaller reductions. The study highlights the impact of climate change on glacier retreat, periglacial dynamics and associated hydrological implications for the region. The results highlight the utility of LiDAR for monitoring landscape transformations in high mountain environments. © 2025 IEEE.