San Pedro River (Chile)

The San Pedro River (Spanish: ''Río San Pedro'') is a river located in northern Chile, primarily in the Antofagasta Region. It is a relatively short river, characterized by its arid environment and intermittent flow. The river's course is largely influenced by the infrequent and highly variable rainfall in the Atacama Desert, meaning that the river often dries up completely during periods of drought, existing only as a series of disconnected pools or a dry riverbed.

The river's water, when present, originates primarily from snowmelt in the Andes Mountains to the east. This meltwater sustains the river's flow, although the volume is significantly affected by seasonal changes and annual precipitation patterns. The limited water resources of the San Pedro River make it a vital, though fragile, ecosystem. The riparian vegetation along its banks, when water is present, is sparse and adapted to the harsh desert conditions.

The San Pedro River's basin supports limited human populations, with agriculture relying heavily on the occasional availability of water. The area also holds potential for geological and archeological studies due to its ancient landscape and unique geological formations. Further research is required to fully understand the ecological significance and historical impact on the river basin.