Oasis Settlements in Argentina
1. Artificial Oasis in Argentina
In western Argentina, rivers are managed to store and distribute water, creating conditions for human settlements known as artificial oases. These oases foster a close relationship between rural and urban areas.
The most well-known oases are located in the plains of San Juan and Mendoza (Cuyo region). Others can be found in the Pampean Sierras and the Andes.
Another notable oasis is located in the driest area of the Chaco Plain, where the city of Santiago del Estero is situated.
2. Historical Importance and Economic Activities
These oasis settlements represent the oldest settled areas in Argentina, with many established during Spanish colonization. Agriculture, livestock farming, and in some cases, mining, have historically shaped the organization of these settlements.
Oases have played a crucial role in the current organization of provincial territories. In Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza, the population and primary economic activities are concentrated in a few oases, while the remaining areas are dominated by farming, mining, and tourism.
In Santiago del Estero, population and activities are concentrated in the southwest, while the rest of the province is sparsely populated Chaco forest. In Córdoba, the population and activities are primarily concentrated in the mountain oases, but the Pampas region has become the most populated area.
Recent years have witnessed changes in productive activities. Larger oases have diversified their activities and incorporated crops or produced goods for export. Smaller oases are undergoing transformations due to the development of tourism.
3. Climate and Water Resources in Oasis Regions
The areas where oasis settlements are located are known for their aridity. Winds from the Atlantic anticyclone arrive with low humidity.
Mountain areas with greater exposure to winds receive more rainfall (e.g., Córdoba, San Luis). Rainfall decreases in the plains to the west.
In mountain oases, most rivers are short and experience maximum discharge in summer. Some rivers are seasonal. Rivers lose their flow as they descend from the Sierras but are utilized before reaching the plateau.
In the Cuyo region, most precipitation originates from the South Pacific, releasing moisture as snow on the peaks during winter.
The most important rivers, such as the San Juan, Mendoza, and Diamante, traverse long distances through mountainous and plain terrain, forming the Desaguadero River Basin.
3.1 Water Management in Oasis
The need to supply water for public consumption and irrigated agriculture has driven water management efforts. The construction of large dams has enabled hydropower generation and the creation of artificial lakes for recreational activities. Water conservation and public works, such as channel networks, have also become crucial.
Drainage systems are necessary to manage excess irrigation water. Efficient groundwater use requires consideration of aquifer recharge potential.
Provincial governments play a vital role in water management by regulating water use through legal norms and fees. Specialized institutions regulate water use in many oases.
4. Characteristics of Cuyo Oases
The large Cuyo oases are characterized by expanding urban areas and intensive cultivation plots irrigated by canals.
The development of these settlements has been linked to agricultural production, particularly grapes, fruits, vegetables, and olives. Agricultural products have benefited from the natural conditions, including abundant sunshine and dry air.
Most agricultural production is industrialized and destined for the domestic market. Agribusiness firms play a significant role in warehousing, processing, canning, and juice production. Vine cultivation and wine production are prominent in the oases of Mendoza and San Juan.
The Mendoza oasis is more developed than the San Juan oasis, whose economy heavily relies on wine production. Fruit production and industrialization are dominant in the San Rafael oasis. Transformations in wine production and the growth of urban areas are notable changes in the Cuyo oases.
5. The Mendoza Oasis
The Mendoza oasis is the largest of the Cuyo oases. In addition to industries related to agricultural production, there are industries associated with oil processing.
Changes in rural areas include a reduction in vineyard acreage and an increase in vegetable, fruit, and olive cultivation. Some wineries have closed, while new agribusiness firms producing diverse food products have emerged.
Many companies have adopted new techniques, such as drip irrigation. A significant technological innovation has been the installation of hail suppression systems, although their application is sometimes limited by financial constraints.
Changes are also evident in the farms themselves. Some are inhabited by farmers and their families, others have been abandoned, and some have been renovated into weekend homes.
Urban areas are expanding into rural areas, particularly those with high agricultural value, leading to the differentiation of neighborhoods. Canals and numerous trees are characteristic features of the urban landscape.
6. Ranches and Farmlands in Oasis Regions
Ranches and farmlands are organized around oases. In the 19th century, livestock and other products were traded with Chile, resulting in prosperity and activity in most oases. Each settlement served a function based on its location along major routes.
In the early 20th century, trade with Chile declined, leading to stagnation in the oases. Part of the population engaged in subsistence farming and cultivation for the domestic market. Notable crops include olives, alfalfa, medicinal herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables.
Agricultural areas were organized into large commercial farms owned by powerful families. Many families continued to cultivate small plots or raise a small number of cattle, with only a small portion of their production sold (subsistence farming).
7. Diversification and Tourism in Smaller Oases
In some oases, such as La Rioja and Catamarca, wineries were established for wine production, along with preserve and candy factories. Currently, efforts are being made to promote agricultural activities by introducing new crops like jojoba and expanding irrigated areas.
In other oases, tourism has gained importance, leading to increased urbanization and dynamism (e.g., San Luis and Córdoba). Notable mountain oases include the provincial capitals of La Rioja, Catamarca, and San Luis, which serve as service centers and administrative hubs.
8. Tourism in the Mountains of Córdoba and San Luis
Tourism has significantly transformed land use and the organization of oases in the mountains of Córdoba and San Luis during the 20th century.
These areas are among the most important tourist destinations in Argentina, attracting large numbers of visitors from Córdoba, Rosario, and the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
Tourism development capitalizes on the natural beauty of the region. The main attractions are the mountain landscapes, extensive lakes, rivers, lush vegetation, and mild climate, offering opportunities for hiking, outdoor sports, and nature appreciation.
9. Infrastructure Development and Tourism Expansion
The construction of the railway and the San Roque dam near the mountain area facilitated the development of the Punilla Valley as a tourist destination. Tourism experienced a surge when workers gained access to paid holidays.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops were built, and water, electricity, and telephone networks were expanded. Agricultural lands were subdivided and sold for tourism development, leading to the formation of urban centers surrounded by residential areas.
Infrastructure development and urbanization transformed the landscape. Natural attractions were complemented by urban amenities. Road improvements and the construction of hydraulic works in most rivers expanded tourism into the Sierras de Córdoba and San Luis.
Major hydroelectric projects, such as the Los Molinos and Rio Tercero dams, are located in the Calamuchita Valley in Córdoba. These reservoirs serve as tourist attractions in addition to providing energy and water storage.
Tourism development in the mountains of San Luis has been less extensive than in Córdoba. The town of Merlo in the Conlara Valley stands out, with a casino, hotels, and vacation homes.
In the Traslasierra Valley of Córdoba and San Luis, other settlements have largely retained their characteristics as small rural oases. Traditional practices, such as craft production, are valued and offered as tourist attractions.
Churches, canals, mills, mines, and traditional houses are historical landmarks that add to the cultural heritage of these regions.