Scenic and Geotouristic Potential of Volcanic Landscapes in Southern Patagonia: Necks, Buttes and Vents, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of volcanic landforms that compose natural geomorphological elements, which occur as positive features in the Southern Patagonia tablelands. In the province of Santa Cruz (Southern Patagonia, Argentina) an inventory of 106 relevant landforms has been completed: 52 necks, 28 buttes and 26 vents or isolated eruptive centers, which provide a quite high degree of variability in the visual components of the landscape. A database has been prepared, containing information about their geographical position and localization with respect to the main circulation routes, cities and towns, elevation, relative relief and geological age. Likewise, a database of satellite imagery and aerial photographs was compiled and thematic cartography was prepared. This information allowed the identification of the most appropriate sectors in which detailed case studies could be performed, with the aim of evaluating their scenic possibilities and their potential to develop activities associated with Geodiversity and Geotourism.