Estudio geológico para determinar las causas del movimiento de masas, que afecta la infraestructura del sector La Dolorosa y San Bartolo, de la Parroquia Copal

Abstract

The objective of this research was to carry out geological studies in order to determine the factors causing mass movements which affect the infrastructure of the La Dolorosa and San Bartolo places from Copal parish. Field research was carried out through the road route of the area, direct observation, documentary review on reports from the sources to the development of the theoretical framework. In addition, this study developed the structural analysis on the cuts of the streams and the cuts caused by the implantation of the water conduction pipe of the hydroelectric project. Additionally, the Mora-Varhson method (modified) was implemented to determine the susceptibility to mass movements in the study place with its five variables: lithology, slope and vegetation cover as conditioning factors, and seismicity and precipitation as triggering factors. Then, thematic maps such as slope, lithology, tectonic, susceptibility, etc. were elaborated. As a result, it was established that the substratum where the populated centers are located is located on colluvium deposits underlying rocks of the Napo formation. Therefore, a rhythmic sequence of sandstones, silts and black clays is presented arranged in a centimeter laminar way with high weathering and a high level of fracture. As a conclusion, the removal of the lithological and vegetal overburden that covered the Napo formation has caused direct contact with the environment, generating excess water in the rainy season and desiccation that fragments the rock in the dry season. This removal of overload transforms the Napo formation into an open aquifer zone through which water circulates freely in the form of springs and runoff favoring the movement of the soil mass. It is recommended to implement sheet pile systems in the slipped areas to support the rocky substrate and allow the passage and removal of excess water.