Jorge Yepes

Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | ULPGC · Department of Civil Engineering

The Fuerteventura Basal Complex comprises Oligocene and Miocene ultra-alkaline-carbonatitic magmatic pulses with outcrops that extend across kilometer-scale areas in some specific sectors of this oceanic island. Additionally, there is evidence of associated weathering materials that affect these magmatic lithologies. These alkaline magmatic rocks (...

Within the framework of the LIGCANARIAS research project (2018-2021), the Inventory of Geological Sites of Interest of the Canary Islands has been carried out, which is part of the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest (IELIG) for the domain of this archipelago. The inventory has used the IELIG methodology adapted to an eminently volca...

Rockfalls on transport infrastructures are a serious hazard to users and many resources are invested in rock slope maintenance, stabilization, and protective measures. In volcanic territories, the risk of rock instabilities and rockfalls is very high due to the rugged natural slopes and origin of rock masses. With the aim of determining the influen...

In volcanic terrains and in particular island regions, the aggregates come from the mechanical crushing of lava rocks and pyroclastic deposits. This study offers an experimental database of the geomechanical characteristics of different volcanic rock lithotypes and the aggregates obtained from these rocks. For this purpose, 971 aggregate samples an...

Surface-initiated cracking with top-down propagation (TDC) is one of the most frequent and important failure modes of asphalt pavements. In order to achieve long-lasting pavements, it is necessary to control the evolution of these cracks and so repair them before they become deeper and deteriorate the lower layers. Self-healing of asphalt mixtures...

The main volumetric and engineering characteristics of hot mix asphalt with crumb rubber modified bitumen from used tyres and high-porosity volcanic aggregates are presented and compared to the same mixtures with conventional bitumen. In volcanic territories, these marginal aggregates are the most common lithotypes and environmental protection cond...

This study presents the results of the principal engineering properties of asphalt-rubber warm mixtures (AR-WMA) with waste crumb rubber from used tyres and highly-vesiculated basalt of scoriaceous nature, also considered a residual or marginal aggregate according to standard specifications. The temperature reduction was carried out using a liquid...

Models for evaluating the terrestrial carbon cycle must take into account not only soil organic carbon, represented by a mixture of plant and animal remains, but also soil inorganic carbon, contained in minerals, mainly in calcite and dolomite. Thick soil caliches derived from weathering of mafic and ultramafic rocks must be considered as sinks for...

This article outlines the ultrasound data employed to calibrate in the laboratory an analytical model that permits the calculation of the depth of partial-depth surface-initiated cracks on bituminous pavements using this non-destructive technique. This initial calibration is required so that the model provides sufficient precision during practical...

This study presents a geomorphologic review of the northern sector of Anaga Massif in order to establish a relative sequence of geomorphic processes. The present-day relief shows a polygenic nature, combining fluvial erosion with other prior erosive processes. The analysis of slopes and watersheds suggests the existence of an active instability pro...

We studied the evolution of different stages of Pajonales landslide (Tirajana Depression, Gran Canaria), based on the geotechnical investigations of both in situ and mobilized volcanic materials. The deposit extends over 560 ha and it has undergone successive reactivations, some during the 20th century. The landslide comprises four large bodies tha...

In this work we have found landslides that may be developed in El Rincón cliff (Gran Canaria) and its impact on the GC-2 highway, at the base of the cliff. The stability analysis performed for the current conditions indicates that the slope is stable. The long-term analysis considers the water-saturated rock mass and defines the presence of two roc...

Open image in new windowRockfalls on roadways are a serious hazard to users. Many resources are invested in rock slope maintenance and measures of stabilization and protection to mitigate the risk. Catchment areas (ditches) are one of the least expensive and most effective protective measures to contain and restrict rockfall onto roadways. While th...

Open image in new windowThe costs associated with rockfall risk are high. Many resources are invested in rock slope maintenance and stabilization, and protection measures to reduce rockfall hazards on transport infrastructures. However, few studies aim to evaluate the relative influence of the different factors (geometrical and material properties)...

This paper presents a combined onshore-offshore morpho-structural characterization of the El Golfo giant landslide, island of El Hierro (Canary Archipelago, Spain). Offshore data from multibeam echosounders, chirp sub-bottom profiles and multichannel seismic reflection data and onshore data coming from water wells and galleries have been analyzed....

Laboratory Test onVolcanic Rocks an Aggregates for students of civil engineering

Laboratory Tests on Bituminous Mixtures for sudents of civil engineering

A 3-m deep soil profile from Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, has been studied. The profile is interesting because soil development on mafic tephra produced a pattern of clay mineral and carbonate distribution. Carbonates precipitated abundantly, increasingly towards the bottom, making up 20–90 wt% of the soil. Sepiolite and calcite are dominant at th...

Extremely voluminous landslides with a long run-out (also known as megalandslides) on oceanic volcanic islands are infrequent denudational processes on such islands. At the same time, they represent a major geological hazard that must be looked into to avoid negative consequences for the inhabitants of these islands. Their occurrence can be related...

New age data have been obtained to time constrain the recent Quaternary volcanism of El Hierro (Canary Islands) and to estimate its recurrence rate. We have carried out 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on samples spanning the entire volcanostratigraphic sequence of the island and 14C geochronology on the most recent eruption on the northeast rift of the isl...

Original volcanic edifices of two successive stages of Gran Canaria are reconstructed using a geomorphometric analysis of existent or restored paleosurfaces. In the reconstruction, surface fitting was applied preferably to planèzes (i.e. triangular facets of original volcano flanks) and quasi-planar surfaces, QPS (those occurring on planèzes, or sc...

Los áridos son uno de los materiales básicos más importantes de la industria de la construcción. Junto con el agua, constituye uno de los dos productos de mayor consumo per cápita en el mundo y una de las cuatro materias primas más importantes de la producción minera mundial después del petróleo, el gas y el carbón. Una de las peculiaridades de los...

The current work analyze 5 factors that define the stop distance of falling rocks: block shape (F ), block size (T), talus height (H ), talus slope (H:V) and ditch inclination (H:V). The principal goal is to determine the influence of each factor to improve the territory planning decisions. We conclude that the lithology is a significant factor of...

Design method of rockfall catchment areas to be used along linear infrastructures

More than 20 mega-landslides have been described in the Canary Islands affecting the flanks of the volcanic edifices. Güímar and La Orotava landslides, in Tenerife, are two exceptional cases due to their huge dimensions and outstanding geomorphological features. The estimated volume of these landslides exceed tens of cubic km. Tsunami deposits have...

We show the preliminary results of the study of 561 volcanic bombs ejected from a pyroclastic cone during the 1730-1736 Timanfaya eruption (Lanzarote, Canary Islands). This cone displays the highest concentration of big bombs (major axis higher than 1 m) of Timanfaya. More than 560 bombs have been studied to calculate their reach. The results sugge...

This work provides geological observations that support the existence of several large rock slides in the northwest sector of the Gran Canaria Island, which are now covered by recent lavas. Some erosional forms has been identified: a paleo-relief developed in Pliocene volcanic materials which could be related to a large rock slide, a number of stre...

This paper provides both geological and geomorphologic observations that support the existence of flank instabilities in the eastern sector of the Tejeda Volcano (Gran Canaria) during the Quaternary. The observations are focused on the analysis of the drainage system, scarps, erosion surfaces, residual reliefs, field of volcanoes and lithological c...

The Arteara rock avalanche is developed in the Fataga Group which is related to the first volcanic stage in the Gran Canaria Island (8.6-13.3 Ma). The materials of the avalanche are mainly phonolitic ignimbrites and lava flows. We have investigated the geotechnical quality of the five lithotypes distinguished in the area: (a) phonolitic lava, (b) p...

This paper provides geomorphological and geotechnical observations on the amplification of the destructive behaviour of rock falls on rocky slopes in the Anaga massif (Tenerife Island, Spain) covered with soils rich in organic matter, within a high rainfall regime. The soil organic matter would be the determinant factor of this process, because it...

We show the preliminary results of the study of 561 volcanic bombs ejected from a pyroclastic cone during the 1730-1736 Timanfaya eruption (Lanzarote, Canary Islands). This cone displays the highest concentration of big bombs (major axis higher than 1 m) of Timanfaya. More than 560 bombs have been studied to calculate their reach. The results sugge...

Este trabajo presenta una revisión geomorfológica del sector septentrional del Macizo de Anaga con objeto de establecer una secuencia relativa de procesos geomórficos. El relieve actual presenta un carácter poligénico, combinando la erosión fluvial con otros procesos erosivos previos. El análisis de vertientes y de las cuencas hidrográficas sugiere...

El relieve de un territorio volcánico está condicionado por la sucesión de fases magmáticas y erosivas. La amplitud y frecuencia de estos ciclos es determinante en la morfogénesis y evolución del pasaje. Una dilatada historia de fases que se alternan a lo largo del tiempo favorece la generación de relieves muy variados que se superponen en un espac...

La avalancha rocosa de Arteara se desarrolló en el Grupo Fataga, que está relacionado con la primera etapa volcánica de la isla de Gran Canaria (8,6-13,3 Ma). Los materiales de la avalancha son principalmente ignimbritas y coladas de lava fonolíticas. Hemos investigado la calidad geotécnica de los cinco litotipos distinguidos en el área: lava fonol...

Se propone un nuevo enfoque con el que abordar la difusión y divulgación del patrimonio geológico de modo eficiente y rentable, mediante la elaboración de aplicaciones para Smartphone con abundante contenido geomático y adaptado a las rutas de senderismo con un gran atractivo para el turismo activo. Para validar esta idea se ha diseñado una ruta ge...

Dimpling is the name given to the centimetre-scale collapse of granular deposits covering the interior of alteration shelters in semi-arid badlands. The development of micro-collapses is favoured by the stable conditions found in these shelters, where they are safe from water flows, rain impact, and animal or human traffic. The floor of these shelt...

We define slips as structures developed by more or less saturated colloidal suspension that slide down the walls of residual reliefs found in badlands. These suspensions seem to originate in the soils crowning gully reliefs and also from rainwater dripping onto the walls of poorly cemented sediments such as siltstone. We call this process slipping...

Abundant slide deposits cover the southern ravines of Grand Canary. These are mainly volcanic debris avalanches consisting of rock slides and debris slides. The main course of the Fataga ravine is entrenched 600m into the Phonolite Formation. At Arteara an accumulation of large reddish blocks has been characterised covering the right side of the ra...

We studied a large debris-avalanche deposit of Pleistocene age in the Tenteniguada Basin, Gran Canaria Island, Spain. This deposit, which is well preserved because it is mostly covered by basanite lava flows, has distinctive matrix and block facies, hummocky topography and internal structures typical of debris avalanches. However, neither synerupti...

We studied a large debris-avalanche deposit of Pleistocene age in the Tenteniguada Basin, Gran Canaria Island, Spain. This deposit, which is well preserved because it is mostly covered by basanite lava flows, has distinctive matrix and block facies, hummocky topography and internal structures typical of debris avalanches. However, neither synerupti...

Basaltic lapilli have been extensively used in the Canary Islands in the construction industry and their abundance encourages an understanding of their properties as aggregate. They are small pyroclastic fragments, dark colored, with 8.5 to 33 percent of interconnected voids. This high porosity is the cause of low unit weights; dry unit weight rang...

The present work offers a preliminary analysis of the river network with tertiary antecedents of the Galician SE. The geomorphological observations of the area are centred on the cartography of erosive terraces, scrolled canals, hanging meanders, elbows of capture, and anomalous networks. For its interpretation we interface them with the thalwegs o...

From the moment a granitic magma begins to cool until it is solidified it is subjected to stress and strain, producing the various discontinuities that can be seen in the finally exposed rock. When as a result of the erosion of superincumbent rocks the granite is at or near the land surface these discontinuities are exploited by weathering. Such fe...

From the moment a granitic magma begins to cool until it is solidified it is subjected to stress and strain, producing the various discontinuities that can be seen in the finally exposed rock. When as aresult of the erosion of superincumbent rocks the granite is at or near the land surface these discontinuities are exploited by weathering. Such fea...

The present work offers a preliminary analysis of the river network with tertiary antecedents of the Galician SE. The geomorphological observations of the area are centred on the cartography of erosive terraces, scrolled canals, hanging meanders, elbows of capture, and anomalous networks. For its interpretation we interface them with the thalwegs o...

We present the charting and analysis of four surfaces formations which cover some sectors of the Llanos de Castro Caldelas, a plain topographically isolated by the deep squeezing of the fluvial network of the River Sil and by the Maceda fault, of Alpine age. On this erosive replane a fossil fluvial network has been identified, partially captured by...

We present the charting and analysis of four surfaces formations which cover some sectors of the Llanos de Castro Caldelas, a plain topo- graphically isolated by the deep squeezing of the fluvial network of the River Sil and by the Maceda fault, of Alpine age. On this erosive replane a fossil fluvial network has been identified, partially captured...

We present a geomorphological analysis of Ourense Province (NW Spain) characterized by: A general narrowing of the fluvial network, highlands with smooth reliefs partially eroded and lowlands with residual reliefs, several extensive plains of erosion frequently limited by fractures -among which Tertiary grabens are inserted-, some "Hollow Surface"-...

We present the morphological analysis of a sector of the Rloo, replane. The sector chosen is hanging above the current fluvial network. This fact allows us to attribute a semi-functional character to the courses which drain the replane. Eleven levels of erosive terraces have been identified, which correspond to the degradation of the initial replan...

http://www.iux.es/dbimages/File/NOVATERRA/NOVA%20TERRA%2021.pdf

We present the morphological analysis of a sector of the R1000 replane. The sector chosen is hanging above the current fluvial network. This fact allows us to attribute a semi-functional character to the courses which drain the replane. Eleven levels of erosive terraces have been identified, which correspond to the degradation of the initial replan...

La cartografía geomorfológica es especialmente difícil en áreas con depósitos escasos, poco significativos y de cronología incierta, con formas multiedad y multiorigen. Tal es el caso de Galicia. Este trabajo es un intento de reconstruir la historia geomorfológica de Galicia durante el Cenozoico en un área especialmente relevante por su situación g...

Geomorphologic mapping is specially difficult in areas with scarce deposits of uncertain chronology and with multiage and multi-origin forms. This is the case of Galicia. This paper is an attempt to reconstruct the geomorphologic history of Galicia during the Cenozoic in an area especially relevant because of its geodynamic situation. It has been m...

This paper deals with the relief generation in Ourense, an interior territory of the Galicia Country, at NW Spain, after the breakdown of Pangea 200 million years ago. The rupture of supercontinent causes the main effects in the outer part of Galicia, the present coast line and the shelf, but also the inner parts of Galicia where the landscape chan...

This paper deals with the relief generation in Ourense, an interior territory of the Galicia Country, at NW Spain, after the breakdown of Pangea 200 million years ago. The rupture of supercontinent causes the main effects in the outer part of Galicia, the present coast line and the shelf, but also the inner parts of Galicia where the landscape chan...

The investigation is part of a study of the marshland ecosystems of the coast of the province of La Coruna. La Carnota is a complex of beaches, marshland, lagoon and alluvial-colluvial deposits, in an advanced stage of evolution. There are significant differences in the beach profiles which in turn suggest distinct geomorphological regimes at work...