Spatial evaluation of geodynamic processes in the mountainous area of the basin of the Cachapoal River, central Chile. Geodynamic impact on the potential commerce corridor in Las Leñas, Region VI of The Libertador Gral. Bernardo O'Higgins

Abstract

The vulnerabilities and impacts of the geodynamics in mountainous areas have been analyzed within the context of the plausible opening of a route between Chile and Argentina through the Las Leñas border crossing in central Chile, alternative to the Cristo Redentor crossing. Erosive processes in low, mid and high mountain areas of the Cachapoal river valley were evaluated. These landscapes' high energy causes sediment production and input through erosion, which is activated by heavy rains and periglacial action. The erosión differences are understandable because there are different landscapes; thus, the basal deposits in the high mountain terrains are associated with mass land movement, and the lineal erosión is developed on the river terraces located in the valley bottom, which are stabilized by the greater vegetation coverage.