Application of frequency ratio and logistic regression to active rock glacier occurrence in the Andes of San Juan, Argentina

ESPER ANGILLIERI, M.Y

GEOMORPHOLOGY

Elsevier

Año: 2010 vol. 114 p. 396 - 405

0169-555X

This study employs statistical modeling techniques and geomorphological mapping to analyze the distribution of active rock glaciers in relation to altitude, aspect, slope, lithology and solar radiation using optical remote sensing techniques with GIS. The study area includesa portion of the Dry Andes of the Cordillera Frontal of San Juan around 30ºS latitude, wherefew geomorphological studies have been conducted. Over 155 rock glaciers have been identified, and 85 are considered active. The relationship between the variables and the rockglaciers distribution was analyzed using the frequency ratio method and logistic regressionmodels. The analytical results show that elevations >3824 m a.s.l., a south-facing or eastfacing aspect, areas with relatively low solar radiation, and slope between 2º and 20º favor theexistence of the rock glaciers, and demonstrate that lithology and slope exert majorinfluences.