Археологические находки и климат Северо-Западной Аргентины

The Argentine Northwest (Noroeste Argentino) is a geographic and historical region of Argentina composed of the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán.

In February 2021, archaeologists from the University of Buenos Aires–National Scientific and Technical Research Council announced the discovery of 12 graves dated to 6,000 1,300 years ago. Researchers also revealed necklaces and pendants next to some of the bodies. According to archaeologist Leticia Cortés, there were many kinds of burial methods, in individual or collective graves, and also in the posture of the bodies. Some were hyperflexed, like squatting, with the shoulders touching the knees.

Northwest Argentina is predominantly dry and hot and classified as subtropical. Owing to its rugged topography, the region is climatically diverse, depending on the elevation, temperature and distribution of precipitation. Consequentially, the vegetation will differ at these different climate types. In general, the climate can be divided into 2 main types: a cold arid or semi arid climate at the higher elevations and warmer subtropical climate in the eastern parts of the region. and a seasonal low pressure system east of the Andes (called the Chaco Low). During summer, the interaction between the South Atlantic high and the Chaco low causes the low pressure system to bring northeasterly and easterly winds that carry moisture to the region, particularly in the northern parts. For example, in the Lerma Valley which is surrounded by tall mountains (only the northeastern part of the valley is surrounded by shorter mountains), precipitation ranges from in Salta to in San Lorenzo, just away. Valleys in the southern parts of the region are drier than northern valleys due to the mountains on the eastern slopes of both the Andes and the Sierras Pampeanas being taller than the ones in the north (ranging from ), presenting a significant orographic barrier that blocks moist winds from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These valleys often receive less than of precipitation per year and are characterized by sparse vegetation adapted to the arid climate. Similarly in Catamarca Province, the mean annual precipitation varies from in the middle of valleys between the Andes mountains to more than in the nearby mountain ranges which form the valleys. In Jujuy province, precipitation in the dry Quebrada de Humahuaca valley ranges from A similar annual precipitation is found in the dry Calchaquí Valleys, with mean annual precipitation ranging from in Molinos to in Cafayate. Owing to the low precipitation in conjunction with the extreme climatic conditions, the Puna region has a water deficit in all months of the year. The El Niño Southern Oscillation influences precipitation levels in northwest Argentina. During an El Niño year, the westerly flow is strengthened while moisture content from the east is reduced, resulting in a drier rainy season. The diurnal range in these cities is fairly large, particularly in the winter. Mean temperatures in the warmest month in the Quebrada de Humahuaca valley range from in Humahuaca at the higher elevations to in Volcan at the lower elevations; in the coldest month, the mean temperature ranges from Mean temperatures in the warmest month in the Calchaqui valleys range from at the higher elevations to at lower elevations; in the coldest month, the mean temperature ranges from the climate is mild year long in terms of temperature. Summers are hot with mean temperatures averaging between while in winter, the mean temperatures are between At higher elevations, the climate is cooler with summer temperatures averaging and winter temperatures averaging The annual temperature in the higher elevations is between at an elevation of above sea level. Within the valleys located between the mountains, temperatures are cooler with a mean annual temperature of (summers average while winters average ) in the Tafi valley.

The majority of the population—and thus economic activity—of this region is concentrated in the many fertile valleys. In these valleys, the cultivation of sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus is the most important activity, along with cattle and goat raising. Important vineyards are also found in the Valles Calchaquíes in the Cafayate region. Thus most economic activity is associated with agriculture, with the exception of the "Altos Hornos Zapla" steel furnace. Mining includes lithium, lead, silver, zinc and salt, and hydrocarbons extraction.

The Argentine Northwest is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, attracting neighboring Argentinos and vacationing Europeans alike. Some of the most popular destination are Quebrada de Humahuaca and the Cerro de los Siete Colores, Cafayate and the Valles Calchaquíes, Tafí del Valle, and the capital cities of the provinces: San Miguel de Tucumán, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy. The national parks of the region are: Baritú National Park, Calilegua National Park, El Rey National Park, Los Cardones National Park and Campo de los Alisos National Park.

Besides the geography of the area, the culture is also of great interest. It is strongly influenced by Quechua and Aymara cultures, and the region is quite distinct from the more European Buenos Aires. This influence can be seen in the music, clothing and customs of the people.