Topographic Changes, Surface Deformation and Movement Process before, during and after a Rotational Landslide

Abstract

The deformation characteristics and instability patterns of rotational landslides are complicated. Such landslides are large and occur continuously, seriously threatening people’s lives. We used interferometry synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), digital elevation models of difference (DODs), numerical simulations, and other techniques for analyzing the topographic changes, surface deformation and movement process before, during and after a landslide. Based on the high-resolution terrain data before and after the landslide, the topographic changes were analyzed, and the active zone of the landslide was identified. The areas of the topographic changes were mainly located on the main scarp, toe and secondary landslides. The topographic changes were influenced by rainfall and rill erosion. The geomorphologically-guided InSAR interpretation method was applied to explore the displacement pattern. The deformation area in the middle of the landslide coincided with the secondary landslides. A time-series InSAR analysis revealed the dynamic evolution of the deformation before and after the landslide. Based on its evolution, the simulated landslide process included the main landslide and three secondary landslides. Based on the displacement of the longitudinal ground surface profiles, the displacement characteristics and kinematic behavior were summarized and compared with those of a single rotational landslide and multiple rotational landslides. The single rotational landslide had obvious secondary and progressive characteristics, developing into multiple rotational landslides triggered by conditions such as rainfall.

Distribution and Recurrence of Warming‐Induced Retrogressive Thaw Slumps on the Central Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau

“…We also found that higher water content not only played a positive role in the occurrence of RTSs but also in their activity (Figures 6g, 6h and 7g, 7h). In most places, a wetter environment promotes the occurrence of landslide (Ma et al., 2023; Yang et al., 2021c; Zhang et al., 2022a). The decrease in the soil shear strength during precipitation is the main mechanism of landslide failure (Cogan et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2022).…”

“…However, this geomorphological unit is extremely vulnerable to climate change due to elevation‐dependent warming and its delicate natural environment (Kuang & Jiao, 2016; Pei et al., 2023b; Pepin et al., 2015). There is abundant evidence proving that the warming rate on the QTP has been almost twice the global rate during the last four decades (Cheng et al., 2019; CMA Climate Change Centre, 2022; Kang et al., 2010), which is responsible for permafrost degradation and its associated hazards (Ma et al., 2023; Mu et al., 2020; Niu et al., 2012; Qiu et al., 2022; Sun et al., 2017).…”

“…the global rate during the last four decades (Cheng et al, 2019;CMA Climate Change Centre, 2022;Kang et al, 2010), which is responsible for permafrost degradation and its associated hazards (Ma et al, 2023;Mu et al, 2020;Niu et al, 2012;Sun et al, 2017).…”

Analysis of deformation mechanism of rainfall-induced landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area: Piansongshu Landslide

“…Numerical simulation techniques were employed to determine the changes in pore water pressure within the slope by analyzing the infiltration line. The analysis utilized the seepage equation implemented in the SEEP/W module 24 .…”

Editorial: Monitoring, early warning and mitigation of natural and engineered slopes—Volume II

“…Recently, with the development of science and technology and the theory of multidisciplinary interaction, they provide new opportunities for the research on early detection, dynamic monitoring and risk reduction of unstable slopes (Liu et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2022). However, efficient detection, low-cost monitoring, accurate early warning, and reliable risk assessment still require further breakthroughs (Qu et al, 2021;Ma et al, 2023). Volume I of this Research Topic received 14 manuscripts last year (Nie et al, 2023).…”