Análisis de la geología en el sector Marianza – Sayausí y su relación con zonas vulnerables a deslizamiento

Abstract

Landslides represent a significant geological risk affecting countries around the world. In our country, landslides have left a profound impact due to the loss of human lives and economic resources. The Marianza sector is a highly vulnerable area where the recurrence of these events threatens the safety and well-being of its population. The influence of factors that induce these events, such as geology, is linked to other factors like lithology, topography, slope, and land use, which affect the magnitude of these events. Additionally, factors such as precipitation and anthropogenic activities increase this possibility. This study used a methodology based on various authors’ criteria to identify the sector’s susceptibility. The creation of maps and field visits allowed for the verification that Marianza is situated in a mountainous region characterized by steep slopes ranging from 30% to 70% with a geology composed of the Tarqui and Célica formations, and a predominance of extrusive igneous rocks. The sector has recorded at least two mass wastings in the last two years, between kilometers 10 and 14 of the Cuenca-Molleturo-Naranjal road. The geology of the gorges where these events occurred consists of colluvial and glacial deposits triggered by intense rainfall during the months of high precipitation. The susceptibility map shows that 57.44% and 8.13% of the Marianza territory are located high and very high susceptibility areas.