Analysis of Vulnerability to Mass Removal Phenomena in the Tanauca Basin: Case Study

Abstract

The phenomenon of mass movement constitutes a significant threat since, when combined with the vulnerability of exposed populations, it determines the risk of imminent disasters. This article aims to present a detailed analysis of vulnerability to these phenomena in the Tanauca watershed. To this end, an analysis of secondary information was carried out by collecting data based on the watershed planning and management plan, the basic territorial planning plan of the municipality of Pamplona, and the hydrometeorological data from the ISER station in Pamplona, together with studies conducted for the physical characterization of the soils present in this area. The predominance of sandy-clayey soils causes low permeability and therefore high retention of water and nutrients; nevertheless, they have low porosity, being soils that lack adequate aeration, show great resistance to root penetration, and hinder plant emergence. The inadequate agricultural and livestock management to which the soil is exposed has caused it to deteriorate significantly, producing loss of vegetative cover and, as a result of precipitation, sheet erosion, thus leaving the area exposed to collapses or landslides.