Spatial patterns of shallow landslides induced by the 19 September 2017 Puebla-Morelos earthquake, Mexico

This work aims to identify the spatial patterns of some landslides triggered by the 19 September 2017 Puebla-Morelos earthquake (Mw 7.1) in Mexico. Several landslides were activated through a vast area in the central-southern region of the country, mainly concentrated in the states of Puebla and Morelos. Landslide data was derived from multiple sources. We have recognized and manually mapped the earthquake-induced landslides (EQL) through visual interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery (0.5-3 m). Furthermore, we conducted an extensive media investigation to document cases and reports in populated regions located in the epicentral zone affected by EQL. Shallow disrupted landslides as falls and slides were recognized through the mountainous zones of the study area. Although most of the documented landslides occurred in remote non-urbanized areas, some events disturbed populated regions, collapsed railways, and interrupted life-basic services. At least, two persons died because of mass movements triggered by this earthquake but several others were affected. Finally, we analyzed the spatial distribution of these landslides in terms of influence factors as lithology, topography (elevation, slope angle, and slope aspect), seismological features (distance to epicenter, area of distribution, PGA and MMI), and accumulated precipitation. A cluster analysis following amalgamation (linkage) rule was carried out to infer relationships between EQL and the main factors controlling the phenomena. We conclude the distribution pattern of the landslides induced by the Puebla-Morelos earthquake was controlled by the combined effect of lithology, peak ground acceleration, and rainfall accumulation.

Automated summary

This study aims to identify the spatial patterns of landslides triggered by the 2017 Puebla-Morelos earthquake in Mexico. Through visual interpretation of satellite imagery and media investigation, the researchers found that the distribution of landslides was controlled by lithology, peak ground acceleration, and rainfall accumulation.