Morphometric Evaluation and Its Incidence in the Mass Movements Present in the Chicamocha Canyon, Colombia

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of the basins evaluated by their morphometric parameters establishes a relationship with the endogenous and exogenous factors of the earth that control the modeling of the rocky massif by weathering and erosion processes. The characterization of these relationships can define the degree of affectation of the surfaces and the agents that control them as a categorical element in the definition of scenarios within the planning of physical and natural territory. This evaluation considers parameters contained within the characterization of the relief, shape and texture of the drainage and the mobility of the flow in the basin. As a result of this evaluation, three factors were obtained that control the processes in the basins: a tectonic structural factor followed by climate control and, finally, seismic activity that plays an important role in the mechanical weathering of surfaces. The correlation of these factors showed that the Umpalá, Guaca, Río Negro, Cantabara and La Cureña basins display a high degree of physical and mechanical weathering of the rocky massif and that the Manco, Talarcuta, Las Pavas, Felisco and El Abra basins are more likely to generate torrential flows. The joint evaluation of these parameters provides a useful tool to understand the dynamic behavior of basins and their impact on anthropogenic setting.