Geoeléctrica y sísmica de refracción para zonificación de áreas inestables en el campamento Guarumales

Abstract

Mass movements are geological events that involve the displacement of soil, causing both material damage and loss of human life. The location of hydroelectric plants increases susceptibility to mass movement phenomena. The Paute Integral Project (Azuay—Ecuador) consists of three dams that supply approximately 35% of the country’s energy demand. The “Guarumales” camp is in a macro-landslide zone with groundwater, posing a risk to the operational and administrative infrastructure of one of its main production plants. This research aims to generate a landslide susceptibility map of the camp by correlating geophysical methods (Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Vertical Electrical Soundings) to identify critical zones. For this purpose, four processes were carried out: (i) Characterization of instability factors using baseline thematic information, (ii) geophysical exploration campaign, (iii) GIS mapping, and (iv) stability mapping. The integration of these variables enabled delineation of areas with high susceptibility, characterized by low resistivity values, weak materials, and water saturation on steep slopes. Likewise, instability associated with erosion and undercutting was identified on stream banks near the camp and in recharge areas where the saturated layer is characterized by low resistivities (<75 Ω·m). In contrast, areas with high resistivity values (>5000 Ω·m) and forest cover exhibited greater stability. The results of this zonation provide a fundamental input for territorial planning and defining mitigation measures based on in situ evaluations, contributing to risk reduction in hydroelectric projects located in geologically complex environments. Keywords: Electrical resistivity tomography, Vertical electrical soundings, mass removal phenomena, slope stability, susceptibility analysis, mapping.