Andean Geology is becoming an English-language journal
This transition will be effective starting July 1, 2026. All submissions but obituaries and comments, and those part of special issues, will be required to be submitted in English
Call for Papers
Special Issue: Advances in Paleontology in Chile: Opportunities and Challenges for a Synthesis
Edited by:
- Marcelo Rivadeneira, CEAZA
- Enrique Bostelmann, Sernageomin
- Martín Chávez-Hoffmeister, CIAHN
- Joseline Manfroi, CIAHN
- Philippe Moisan, Universidad de Atacama
- Karen Moreno, Universidad Austral de Chile
- Sven Nielsen, Universidad Austral de Chile
- Ana Valenzuela-Toro, CIAHN
- Natalia Villavicencio, Universidad de O'Higgins
Submission status: Open between March 1, 2026, and November 30, 2026
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Special Issue: Geoethics in Chile and Latin America - Contextual reflections for responsible geoscience
Edited by:
- Luisa Pinto, Universidad de Chile
- Hernán Bobadilla, Politecnico di Milano
- Tania Villaseñor, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Pablo Ramírez, Universidad de Chile
- Millarca Valenzuela, Universidad Católica del Norte
Submission status: Open between August 15, 2025, and April 30, 2026
Ocurrencia de aguas subterraneas a gran presion en el Tunel Comun Alfalfal: caracteristicas, solucion adoptada e interpretacion
Santiago Castro, Hugo Delucchi, Leif-Rune Gausereide, Jaime Caviedes, Lucio Velasco
Abstract
ABSTRACT. High pressure ground water influx into the Alfalfal Main Tunnel: characteristics, remedial action and interpretation. During excavations of the Alfalfal Hydroelectrical Project Main Tunnel a case of large ground water inflow occurred, with 150 l/s influx into the tunnel, with an unusually high measured pressure of 100 bars. There are no previous records of similar pressure under the same conditions in Chile.The Alfalfal Consulting Team designed a special method of excavation and support by sections, as well as a systematic cement-bentonite slurry injection system in order to solve the problem and continue with the normal tunnel excavation. The hydrogeological interpretation considers the existence of a water zone that coincides with one of the main fracture systems, with orientation NS-5°W and dipping ca 35°E. Its opening is favored by the rock stress situation, thus allowing the 1,000 m connection with the surface.