Urban development and human activity as factors in terrain instability in Tijuana

This article discusses the risks of ground instability in the metropolitan area of Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico) and the resulting soil and rock mass-wasting movements and resulting damages that occur annually. We describe not only the geological, geotechnical, geomorphological and tectonic characteristics of the area, but also urban development and human activity in particular. We evaluated the major causes and triggers of instability in order to determine criteria, draw conclusions and provide recommendations aimed at reducing vulnerability and risk in the region, as a way to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of these phenomena.