Inter-Andean Cauca River Canyon

Abstract

A section of the Cauca River canyon passing through the Department of Antioquia in northwestern Colombia is considered to be of great interest due to its geological and geomorphological characteristics, which give rise to stunning landscapes. The canyon is divided from south to north into three geomorphological segments. Erosion and accumulation processes are dominant in the first segment, highlighted in the Támesis Scarp and landforms, such as Los Farallones de La Pintada. Morphotectonic features associated with the Cauca-Romeral Fault System and represented by the Cerro Bravo, El Sillón and Tusa Mounts are significant in the second segment. The third segment is characterized by fluvio-lacustrine to torrential accumulation processes and there are also evidences of neotectonic activity expressed by active mountain fronts along with seismites. This portion of the Cauca River is quite diverse and there are few places in Colombia that concentrate so much geodiversity in so few miles. Additionally, it has a high esthetic value because of the marked geomorphological contrast and the existence of panoramic landscapes.