Abstract
This review paper compiles research related to debris flows and hyperconcentrated flows in the central Andes (30°–33° S), updating the knowledge of these phenomena in this semiarid region. Continuous records of these phenomena are lacking through the Andean region; intense precipitations, sudden snowmelt, increased temperatures on high relief mountain areas, and permafrost degradation are related to violent flow discharges. Documented catastrophic consequences related to these geoclimatic events highlight the need to improve their understanding in order to prepare the Andean communities for this latent danger. An amplified impact is expected not only due to environmental changes potentially linked to climate change but also due to rising exposure linked to urban expansion toward more susceptible or unstable areas. This review highlights as well the need for the implementation of preventive measures to reduce the negative impacts and vulnerability of the Andean communities in the global warming context.
Highlights
Introduction iationsAs in other high mountain ranges around the world, landslide processes are widespread in the Central Andes of Chile and Argentina [1,2,3,4,5]
(32◦ S) in 2005 damaged a dam under construction and caused problems on water supply in San Juan city [57,58,59]. These low-frequency phenomena provide massive volumes of water flowing at high-velocities that can evolve as Debris flows (DFs) or hyperconcentrated flows (HFs) due to erosion and sediment entrainment processes [50,60]
Precipitation threshold values for triggering DF have been mainly established from total day precipitation, as records of precipitation intensity are lacking in the most catchments of the study area
Summary
The Central or Subtropical Andes (CA) extend from 31◦ to 35◦ south latitude comprising Western Chilean and Eastern Argentinean hillslopes [22]. 100–400 mm per year [30], including solid precipitation in the highest mountain snow coverage shows seasonal and inter-annual variations. Maximum solid occurs during the winter season, reaching 58% of the annual average snow coverage. Climate regime in the region inin the last decade [37].an increase of temperature [36] in the mountain els project a decrease snowfall [35] and areas of Central Andes. Vegetation by channeled debris flows or floods Major routes connecting both sides of the Andes are located along the main valleys, which often cut alluvial fans and creeks subject to debris and hyperconcentrated flows. These routes constitute the main trade corridors of South. The Andean piedmont, where all these fluvial systems discharge, coexist with the settlement of main capital cities: La Serena-Coquimbo (30◦ S), Santiago (33◦ S), San Juan (31◦ S), and Mendoza (32◦ 300 S), which are historically affected by floods that are not considered in this review [43,44,45,46]
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