Title
Geophysical surveys at Machu Picchu, Peru: Results for landslide hazard investigations
Date Issued
01 January 2009
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
conference paper
Author(s)
Publisher(s)
Springer Science and Business Media, LLC
Abstract
Geophysical methods are being used more frequently to assess slopes for landslide hazard potential, especially in areas where traditional methods such as trenching and drilling are either difficult to employ or not allowed. This paper presents the results of DC resistivity, electromagnetic (EM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys to map fractures and zones of weakness in crystalline bedrock at Machu Picchu, Peru. DC resistivity surveys were carried out along the upper 8 switchbacks of the Hiram Bingham road leading to the sanctuary as well as across the sanctuary. EM surveys were carried out along the upper 3 switchbacks and across the sanctuary. EM surveys were carried out at several other locations within the sanctuary but the data were not sufficient to allow detailed interpretations. GPR surveys were carried out over the main and lower plaza areas. Inversion of the resistivity data located several lower resistivity zones along the switchbacks. These zones were associated with water seeping out of the rock in ditches. The water is confined to the upper switchbacks which was consistent with the disappearance of lower resistivity zones in the lower switchbacks. EM results along the switchbacks, although more subtle to recognize, located several coincident zones of lower resistivity. The GPR data provided information on the unconsolidated sediment above bedrock and the bedrock topography within the plazas. There is presently no evidence on whether any of the mapped fractures have been active in the recent past. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.
Start page
265
End page
273
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Geología
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84878778972
Resource of which it is part
Landslides - Disaster Risk Reduction
ISBN of the container
978-354069966-8
Conference
2008 1st World Landslide Forum18 November 2008through 21 November 2008
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus