Proposals for Flashflood Management in Western Argentina. Case Study: The Metropolitan Area of Greater Mendoza

Abstract

The watersheds located in west of Greater Mendoza (Argentina) are typical examples of areas directly or indirectly affected by flashfloods. Greater Mendoza is encroaching upon areas with a pronounced relief (eastern slope of the Precordillera, the piedmont and other minor units) with strong human pressures on a fragile environment. Nowadays, the western part of Greater Mendoza is covered with paved surfaces and buildings, jeopardizing the city located downstream. In order to mitigate the negative effects of the use and occupation of the piedmont, a set of structural and non-structural measures and an urban planning model, with new urban development and architecture proposals, have been devised. These measures involve flood control, erosion control, afforestation, habitat management, control of extraction practices (aggregates, wildlife, vegetation, etc.) and education. The new urban planning model is based on the preservation of the natural character of the land and on appropriate management of surplus water (runoff detection at the source area, drainage system retention, increasing drainage capacity while minimizing impacts on downstream environments, and creation of areas to buffer runoff). Many of these measures were developed and successfully demonstrated locally.