The Role of Landslide Research in the Quaternary Evolution of the Central Andes (31°–34 °S)

Recent studies about pre-historical landslides have positively impacted on Quaternary Research of the Central Andes. Since landslides are commonly used as climate proxies, paleo-landslides have been associated with interglacial stages or wetter periods. Also, huge collapses are considered a main secondary seismic effects related to magnitude >6 earthquakes evidencing neotectonic or seismic activity in some regions. This vague interpretation mainly depends on the regional framework of the study area. Nevertheless, the main concern is landslides studies have greatly improved the knowledge about landscape evolution in the Central Andes. Research on landslides has been used to constrain glacial chronology, to estimate paleo-earthquake recurrence, to understand geomorphological evolution, to infer paleo-climate conditions from dammed paleo-lakes, and to establish possible archeological sites. The focus of this review is to get the significance and implications of landslide studies to highlight the impact of these investigations on regional Quaternary understanding.