Abstract

SUVIRES, G.M.. Piping processes in the eastern piedmont of the Eastern Precordillera, San Juan Province. Rev. Asoc. Geol. Argent. [online]. 2004, vol.59, n.3, pp.385-393. ISSN 0004-4822.

Piping process in fine-grained, pink coloured Neogene sediments and sedimentary rocks were studied in the La Laja-El Salado area, northern Río San Juan, in the distal and eastern piedmont of the Eastern Precordillera. Conditions favourable to the genesis of piping were investigated through aerial photo interpretation and fieldwork, and it was concluded that the factors controlling its occurrence are lithology, climate, structure and landscape. The piping in the study area took place mainly in fine clayey materials, with very high values of sodium, and in a dry and arid climatic environment. Neotectonic activity is particularly important for evaluation of the piping processes: some erosional geomorphological features are interpreted as being produced by piping, and the process thus represents a great subsurface hazard that needs to be taken into account in land use planning.

Keywords : Piping; Erosional relief; Risk; Environmental factors; Land use.

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