Landslides as Climate Indicators in Argentinean Central Andes (32º S)

Landslide occurrence in the Arid Central Andes of Argentina (~32°L) is strongly related to topography and climate conditions. In middle-low mountains and valleys, landslides are linked to summer rainfall, while in highest Andean areas, instability conditions are mainly caused by water saturation due to snow thawing in spring sessions. Besides, climate phenomena forced precipitation and slope instability in these mountain ranges. Warm phases of ENSO episodes are linked to more landslides activity in Frontal Cordillera, and a delayed signal of this phenomenon was found for Main Cordillera in the following warm session. Besides, no influence of ENSO is found for eastern Precordillera responding to Atlantic Anticyclone behavior.