Revisiting the 1959 quick clay landslide at Sokkelvik, Norway

Abstract

The Sokkelvik landslide and associated tsunami led to nine casualties and is considered one of the most devastating Norwegian quick clay landslide of the past century. In this paper we review the potential causes for this landslide based on an integrated study of eye witness testimony, swath bathymetry data and stability analyses. Results show that the Sokkelvik landslide was most likely triggered by intense rainfall and snowmelt, but that the main cause is associated to the load of an up to 7.5 m high embankment fill. This fill was placed at the shoreline for road construction 6 months before the landslide. Results presented herein show the importance of accounting for extreme rainfall events and groundwater flow when planning construction activity in sensitive near shore areas.