Huge slope collapses flashing the andean active orogenic front (argentinean precordillera 31-33°s)

Abstract

The study area is located along the Andean active orogenic front comprising the mostseismically active region of Argentina. Main Quaternary deformation is concentrated in thisWestern central part of the country associated with active faults linked to an intense shallowseismic activity (<35 km depth). During the last 150 years, the region has suffered at least sixmajor earthquakes with a magnitude greater than Ms 7.0. The focus of this research is toanalyse the landslide behaviour along this Andean active orogenic front. To that end, we carriedout a landslide inventory along Precordillera (31°–33°S). We analysed type, size, activity gradeand other morphological parameters of these landslides. We found huge collapses coincide withtraces of active Quaternary faults in this region. However, landslides are clustered being densersplayed in the centre of study area. Furthermore, activity grade of such landslides is higher inthis central zone decreasing gradually towards the north and the south. This central area isaffected by the Juan Fernandez Ridge which is likely related to higher deformation rate.