K. Hughes, A. Morales-Vélez
This article presents an overview of landslide investigation in Puerto Rico from the time of Spanish control until the present. In addition, a projection for future developments is offered. The island’s tectonic and geographic situation combined with a history of intense agriculture practices yield a predisposition of landslide hazard. Mass wasting manifests itself in several modalities with shallow soil failures being most common and deep bedrock slides being most destructive. Movements can be provoked by seismic activity but are regularly triggered by high-intensity rainfall events associated with tropical cyclone systems. Advances in landslides science made during the latter 20th century were made possible by earlier topographic and geologic mapping efforts by the United States Geologic Survey. In the 21st century, instrumentation and monitoring endeavors have been made more effective with the use of emerging technologies. In the near future, advanced real time systems and forecasting programs are possible, and the continued investigation of landslides as principal agents of erosion will lead to a more focused understanding of surficial processes over geologic time. In a landscape faced with natural disasters, it is necessary to meet these phenomena with an adequate level of commitment in order to mold a more resilient society.
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Published on 17/02/21Accepted on 17/02/21Submitted on 17/02/21
Volume 19-20, 2021Licence: CC BY-NC-SA license
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