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A dynamic stability analysis for the Olinalá landslide, northeastern Mexico

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Abstract

We have evaluated slope stability conditions considering different triggering conditions for the Olinalá landslide, a paleo-landslide located in the northern front of the Sierra Madre Oriental, northeastern Mexico. Models included assessment of the influence of both aseismic (suggesting different groundwater levels) and a strong earthquake shaking scenario. Results suggest the Olinalá landslide is relatively stable even considering a fully-saturated hydrological stage through the slope (e.g., after the impact of major hurricanes), a typical situation in the study area. Considering these circumstances, there is no evidence of a reactivation of the landslide after the impact of hurricanes in the region. Conversely, hazardous scenarios result after evaluate a combined influence of moderate seismicity and extreme hydrometeorological conditions. This study suggests that some geomorphological features observed in northeastern Mexico are unfeasible without considering the effect of earthquakes. Our approach could model the behavior of pseudostable old landslides through the region, in the face of future reactivations and risk situations.

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Fig. 1
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Adapted from Chapa Guerrero (1993)

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adapted from Chapa Guerrero 1993). Main features of the landslide are defined (scarp, deposit zone and toe). Colors represent the different homogeneous zones used in the stability analysis. Landslide boundary is depicted as a dashed line. Groundwater level is marked as the blue line. Residential zone refers to the region with the greatest amount of constructions and infrastructure over the landslide

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Acknowledgements

First author received a scholarship from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT). The authors are grateful to Thomas Glade, Editor in Chief, and two anonymous reviewers for their critical remarks that helped to greatly improve the original manuscript.

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  1. Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ex-Hacienda de Guadalupe km 8., Carr. Linares – Cerro Prieto, 67700, Linares, NL, Mexico

    Jorge A. Salinas-Jasso, Juan C. Montalvo-Arrieta & José R. Chapa-Guerrero

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  1. Jorge A. Salinas-Jasso
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  2. Juan C. Montalvo-Arrieta
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Salinas-Jasso, J.A., Montalvo-Arrieta, J.C. & Chapa-Guerrero, J.R. A dynamic stability analysis for the Olinalá landslide, northeastern Mexico. Nat Hazards 102, 1225–1248 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-03954-5

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