Geomorphological indicators of large-scale climatic changes in the Eastern Bolivian lowlands

Abstract. This study provides an inventory of geomorphological landforms in Eastern Bolivia at different spatial scales. Landforms and associated processes are interpreted and discussed regarding landscape evolution and paleoclimatic significance. Thereby, preliminary conclusions about past climate changes and the geomorphic evolution in Eastern Bolivia can be provided.

Fluvial and aeolian processes are presently restricted to a few locations in the study area. A much more active landscape has been inferred from large-scale Channel shifts and extensive paleodune Systems. Mobilization. transport and deposition of Sediments are thought to be the result of climatic conditions drier than today. However. there are also indications of formerly wetter conditions such as fluvial erosion and paleolake basins. In conclusion, the documentation and interpretation of the manifold landforms has shown to contain a considerable amount of paleoecological information, which might serve as the base for further paleoclimatic research in the central part of tropical South America.