Geomorphology and Slope Instability in a Densely Populated County, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica

In the Escazú county, geoforms of denudational, structural, and fluvial origin occur. Denudational morphologies comprise 94% of the study area and their characteristics are largely controlled by the lithological units. These units generate moderately stable soils and mass wasting morphologies such as old and active landslides, block falls, incipient and intense creep-affected areas, and areas with concentrated erosionErosion. The areas of sedimentary rock with steep slopes represent 51% of mapped landslides, where the probability of landslide occurrence (PLO)Probability of landslide occurrence (PLO) is moderate to high. There are 31 inactive landslides, which are sites with slopes greater than 15 ° and covering large areas. About 44 active landslides were mapped that are located mainly on the slopes near riverbeds. Seven reactivation sectors were identified within old landslides. By integrating this geomorphological characterization with the PLO, the suggested land use for the study area is defined.