Zonificación Susceptibilidad de Amenaza por Movimientos en Masa e Inundaciones en la Microcuenca la Patilla

Abstract

This research work carried out the zoning of susceptibility to threats from mass movements and floods in the micro-watershed of the Quebrada La Patilla, located in the municipality of Salazar de las Palmas, Norte de Santander, Colombia. The study focused on analyzing the natural threats in the area, determining the most susceptible areas to these phenomena through a multidisciplinary approach that includes the characterization of the physical components of the area (geomorphology, land cover, geology, geological units for engineering) and the triggering factors (precipitation and earthquakes).

To carry out this study, an exhaustive collection of secondary information about the micro-watershed was made, which included the review of geological documents, historical records of natural phenomena, and a multitemporal analysis using satellite images (2003-2023). Subsequently, fieldwork was carried out in the micro-watershed, where local perceptions and experiences, geological and geomorphological samples, and other important observations were collected. Furthermore, the physical components of the micro-watershed were analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Based on this information and historical records, the incidence of triggering factors such as precipitation and earthquakes on the stability of the micro-watershed was also evaluated. From these analyses, susceptibility models for mass movements and floods were established, through maps that illustrate the distribution of areas with high, medium, and low threat susceptibility, providing a key tool for risk management in the region. Finally, the study proposes threat management strategies for the Quebrada La Patilla micro-watershed, focused on both prevention and control of the triggering factors.