Peru's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet) on Wednesday began the second phase of Cusco-PATA Project (2016-2019), which brings together engineers and researchers from Peru and prestigious European universities to study Cusco region's active tectonics.
Led by Peruvian geologist Dr. Carlos Benavente, the interdisciplinary team is composed of 7 Ingemmet engineers, as well as international collaborators from prestigious University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Geological and Mining Institute of Spain and France's Institut des Sciences de la Terre.
Cusco-PATA Project is breaking new ground in Latin America as the first venture to incorporate paleoseismology, archaeoseismology and active tectonics interdisciplinary research.
In this sense, Cusco offers ideal conditions for such endeavor, recording various active faults and paramount archaeological sites with a history of earthquakes, landslides, among other geological hazards.
Field works will help determine the maximum potential magnitude of quakes that Cusco-adjacent faults may trigger in the future.
Thus, the project will lead to a better understanding of the Imperial region's seismic hazard.
In this respect, Cusco-PATA will contribute to building a culture of prevention, with benefits geared towards engineering and tourism fields. It will thus contribute to the region's land-use planning.
Starting today, the team will conduct scientific research works for 18 days in the South-Andean region, providing daily updates on its progress and results.
(END) NDP/RFA/MAO/DHT/MVB