Implications of geomorphological research for recent and prehistoric avalanches and related hazards at Huascaran, Peru

Jan Klimeš (), Vít Vilímek and Marek Omelka

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2009, vol. 50, issue 1, 193-209

Abstract: Detailed research of superficial deposits below the northern peak of Huascaran (Cordillera Blanca) provides new information on the limits of a paleo-avalanche originating from this mountain. Geomorphological mapping of the sediments identified glacial deposits, deposits from historical rock-debris avalanches and huge boulders from a paleo-avalanche. Schmidt Hammer rock-hardness tests were used to distinguish between the several generations of rock-debris avalanches, but largely failed to distinguish between the much older moraine and the paleo-avalanche sediments. Thus, only the field geomorphological mapping proved to be reliable for identifying the limits of the paleo-avalanche. The limits identified as granite boulders deposited over volcanic rocks were found to extend 30 m further up the opposite valley slope than previously had been mapped. This larger extent implies a greater volume and/or greater mobility for the prehistoric event. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009

Keywords: Slope movements; Natural hazards; Schmidt Hammer tests; Huascaran; Cordillera Blanca; Peru (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-008-9330-7

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