Abstract
The watersheds located in west of Greater Mendoza (Argentina) are typical examples of areas directly or indirectly affected by flashfloods. Greater Mendoza is encroaching upon areas with a pronounced relief (eastern slope of the Precordillera, the piedmont and other minor units) with strong human pressures on a fragile environment. Nowadays, the western part of Greater Mendoza is covered with paved surfaces and buildings, jeopardizing the city located downstream. In order to mitigate the negative effects of the use and occupation of the piedmont, a set of structural and non-structural measures and an urban planning model, with new urban development and architecture proposals, have been devised. These measures involve flood control, erosion control, afforestation, habitat management, control of extraction practices (aggregates, wildlife, vegetation, etc.) and education. The new urban planning model is based on the preservation of the natural character of the land and on appropriate management of surplus water (runoff detection at the source area, drainage system retention, increasing drainage capacity while minimizing impacts on downstream environments, and creation of areas to buffer runoff). Many of these measures were developed and successfully demonstrated locally.
Highlights
Due to historical and geopolitical conditions, many towns and cultivated areas in the western and central parts of Argentina are located in regions directly or indirectly affected by flashfloods, i.e., areas with extensive piedmont, depressions, muddy areas, and mountains
The watersheds located in west of Greater Mendoza are typical examples of areas with frequent flashfloods that have been affecting the urban area since the end of the 16th century
It is necessary to search for innovative action approaches, new forms of land use planning and an urban development model that helps reduce flashflood risks
Summary
Due to historical and geopolitical conditions, many towns and cultivated areas in the western and central parts of Argentina are located in regions directly or indirectly affected by flashfloods, i.e., areas with extensive piedmont, depressions, muddy areas, and mountains. The urban agglomerations most vulnerable to flooding are: San Salvador de Jujuy, Salta, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, San Juan, Greater Mendoza, Neuquén and many towns near the Sierras Subandinas, Sierras Pampeanas or Famatina (Bertoni et al, 2003). These cities and towns were founded in mountain and hilly valleys or at the foot of mountain ranges in the western part of Argentina. It is necessary to search for innovative action approaches, new forms of land use planning and an urban development model that helps reduce flashflood risks
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