Riesgo por subsidencia en la zona urbana de Lircay - Huancavelica: Subsidence risk in the urban area of Lircay - Huancavelica

Riesgo por subsidencia en la zona urbana de Lircay - Huancavelica

Abstract

Throughout history, vertical ground subsidence has occurred in many parts of the world, with rates ranging from several meters to just a few millimeters per year. This phenomenon is known as soil subsidence, which may have natural or anthropogenic origins. It is considered a geological hazard capable of causing material damage and even fatalities, thus representing a significant risk. Subsidence associated with karstification is caused by the indirect dissolution of calcium carbonate in carbonate rocks due to the action of water, which gradually dissolves the rock and forms cavities and caves. This, in turn, can lead to ground collapse, posing danger and vulnerability to exposed elements such as infrastructure, buildings, and people. The objective of this study is to identify areas that are relatively susceptible to vertical displacements (subsidence) and to understand the dynamics of hazard and vulnerability areas in order to assess the risk of soil subsidence in the Pueblo Nuevo and Santa Rosa sectors of Lircay. The methodology focused on identifying the causes of subsidence and the exposed elements. The results reveal a very high-risk level in 1.5% of the area, high risk in 4%, medium risk in 9%, and low risk in 85.5% of dwellings, due to the potential for ground collapse. It is concluded that the overall risk level ranges from low to medium, primarily due to the presence of calcareous soils, which, when in contact with rainwater, form karstic landscapes followed by subsidence.