Abstract

GONZALEZ, Maria A; FRACCHIA, Diego; SOLIS, Natalia G  and  BARBER, Eduardo. The mudflow of the Comedero stream, Jujuy: Characterization, causes and effects. Rev. Asoc. Geol. Argent. [online]. 2012, vol.69, n.3, pp.382-392. ISSN 0004-4822.

The January 12th 2010 mudflow in the Comedero stream, Termas de Reyes, province of Jujuy, affected a hot springs recreational area causing 87 wounded people and severe material damage. This mass movement was triggered by sudden rainfall in the high sectors of the creek in Comedero stream. The resulting deposit was made up by approximately 70 % gravel, 20 % sand and 10 % lime-clay, and included transported wood trunks and blocks of more than 1 m3. According to the plasticity of this material, the flow was classified as a mudflow. The velocity of the flow was calculated through an empirical method, the result of which is coincident with other obtained for events in nearby places in the region. The volume of the flow was directly measured in the field and then calculated with equations previously used for the study of similar flows. According to the stratigraphical and historical record of several previous events in the place, we consider the Comedero creek has a very high probability of being affected by debris flows. According to the consequences upon the Reyes river the studied mudflow is enclosed in the class with potentiality to partially destroy towns and road and bridge infrastructure, and to produce creek damming. The velocity, volume and frequency data calculated in this work, which is part of SEGEMAR's Carta de Peligrosidad Geológica de Salta, are essential items for geologic hazards mapping, infrastructures design, and territorial planning.

Keywords : Mass movement; Cordillera Oriental; Magnitude.

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