Recent Rock Slide in the Patagonian Andes of Argentina: Analysis of Morphometry, Predisposing Factors and Triggering Mechanisms

Abstract

The Patagonian Andes region is naturally highly susceptible to landslide occurrence due to its geological, topographic, and atmospheric characteristics. Coupled with rapid urban expansion and infrastructure development over the last decades, some towns are now experiencing frequent episodes. Recently on 1 August 2023, a medium-sized rock-planar slide affected Chos Malaltown (Neuquén, Argentina) without evident causative factors. Therefore, this study aims to define the morphometric parameters of the landslide, as well as to identify predisposing factors and triggering mechanisms that may have contributed to its occurrence.The combined field and office analysis utterly revealed a strong human influence among the main causatives. Based on present-day conditions, there is a high potential for further landslides which could result in loss of life and further damage to infrastructure.