The alluvium of August 9, 2015 in Alto Patache, Tarapaca region, Atacama Desert
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PONTIFICA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE, INST GEOGRAFIA
Abstract
During the 09 August 2015 (strong El Nino year) heavy rains fell in the coastal Atacama Desert, including our Research Station Atacama UC_Alto Patache (cordillera de la Costa, Tarapaca Region). In this study we provide a detailed analysis of the meteorology and hydrogeomorphic response to the 51,6 mm in 6 hours of rain recorded in Alto Patache. In our control basin (7.2 Ha) we estimated a maximum erosion of similar to 1070 m(3), which were partially stored in the distal alluvial fan, where we quantified 637 m3 of material. We estimated a mean water discharge of 11 m(3) s(-1) at the lower basin. The comparison between the meteorological and morphostratigraphical data allows us to define three phases that best characterize the anatomy of the 9A: Initial, Peak and End. We conclude that Alto Patache embraces an overall geomorphic stability that is interrupted recurrently by debris flows linkable to ENSO variability.
Description
Keywords
Debris flow 9 August 2015, Estacion Atacama UC_Oasis Niebla Alto Patache, morphostratigraphy, ENSO, NORTHERN CHILE, VARIABILITY, CLIMATE, ANTOFAGASTA, COAST, FOG