The Valdés Peninsula (Spanish: Península Valdés) is a peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean in the Viedma Department of northeast Chubut Province, Argentina. It is bordered by San Matías Gulf to the north. It is an important nature reserve which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Geography

The peninsula is about in size (not taking into account the isthmus of Carlos Ameghino which connects the peninsula to the mainland). The nearest large town is Puerto Madryn. The only town on the peninsula is the small settlement of Puerto Pirámides. There are also a number of estancias, where sheep are raised.

Environment

Most of the peninsula is barren land with some salt lakes. The largest of these lakes has an elevation of about 40 m below sea level (see extremes on Earth), until recently thought to be the lowest elevation in Argentina and South America (the lowest point actually being Laguna del Carbón, Argentina, which is also the lowest point in all of South America).

Wildlife

The coastline is inhabited by marine mammals, such as sea lions, elephant seals and fur seals. The adjacent waters contain the most important breeding ground for southern right whales in the world.

Climate

Valdes Peninsula has a cold desert climate (BWk) bordering on a cold semi-desert climate (BSk). It has a climate typical of northern Patagonia that is modified with interactions between atmospheric circulation patterns and the adjacent ocean. The peninsula is located between the subtropical high-pressure belt (located at 30<sup>o</sup>S) and the subpolar low-pressure zone (located between 60<sup>o</sup> and 70<sup>o</sup>S), resulting in the wind being predominantly from the west.

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References

  • (Orca Conservation group at the Peninsula Valdes)