The complex landslide of Ailinco-Cº Papas-Las Olletas, northern Neuquén, Argentina

Abstract

At the southern end of the Sierra de la Puntilla Range in northern Neuquén province, extensive deposits of "tilloid" features in a morphological environment with hummocky-topography were observed. Previous studies suggest their relation with glacial morphogenesis (moraines; tills). We propose instead here their relationship to large gravitational movements triggered by seismic shock, and we distinguish two rock-avalanches and a third considered as a minor landslide. The most important is the "Cerro Papas rock-avalanche" which occurred on its western slope. The "Ailinco rock-avalanche" is situated on the southern end of the Puntilla Range, and the "Las Olletas landslide" is located in the proximity of Aguas Calientes. The landslides are described merely in terms of their principal morphological features. Other secondary landforms (of regional landscape) described are related to glaciation, permafrost environment and minor mass-wasting processes.