Abstract

Precordillera between ~26 y 27 Lat. S. is characterized by the occurrence of several porphyry copper deposits ( e.g. El Salvador and Potrerillos ) and epithermal deposits e.g. El Hueso and Coya ) that have been submitted to supergene alteration processes in different stage of the landscape evolution since 36 Ma ago to the present, all showing a good outcrop exposition of their supergene profiles which it is an exceptional opportunity to carry on this research. Previous research has identified two pediplanation surfaces over summits between each period of incision previous to 17 Ma, and other surface developed before 10 Ma earlier than the incision of the current drainage systems, although, studies inferred that there is a synchronicity among the formation of pediplanation surfaces and development of supergene profiles, these researchs do not present a geochronological resolution which allows to probe this synchrony, nor detailed studies of the supergene alteration profiles which can be related with a stage of the landscape evolution. This research seek to address how the supergene alteration is affected by factors which model the landscape of the Precordillera in the Atacama Desert between ~26 y 27 Lat. S. In other words, how the landscape evolution (uplift and weather) influences the distribution and temporality of supergene mineralization in the area. This study provides an exciting opportunity to increase our knowledge on the genesis of supergene enrichment profiles and exotic deposits and their relationship with the landscape evolution in arid to hyperarid conditions, knowledge that may be use in the exploration of new copper resources in the Precordillera.