Relationships Between Slope Instabilities, Active Tectonics and Drainage Systems: The Dúdar Landslide Case (Granada, Southern Spain)

Abstract

A geomorphologic description of the Du´dar landslide (Granada, S Spain) has been carried out using a high-resolution digital elevation model derived from LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. We have analysed the significant changes that the landslide caused in the drainage system of the Aguas Blancas and Darro rivers, which in turn are the consequence of the tectonic activity of the north-eastern border of the Granada Basin. These modifications comprise river diversions and active incision within the body of the landslide, making it susceptible to future reactivations. A stability back-analysis of the landslide has been performed to identify the mechanism of failure and the most-likely triggering factors. This analysis shows that a low-to-moderate magnitude earthquake (Mw 5.0–6.5) related to the active faults in the Granada Basin seems to be the main triggering factor of the Dúdar landslide.