TXT-tool 0.001-2.1 landslide types: Descriptions, illustrations and photos

Abstract

Regardless of the exact definition used or the type of landslide under discussion, understanding the basic mechanics and processes of a typical landslide is critical. With an increasing awareness and mandate to fully understand new building site characteristics, improve existing critical infrastructure and appreciating the importance of an area’s landslide history, typing landslides according to shared characteristics gives vital information about the future performance of a site, in relation to potential landslide hazards. We provide here, a basic primer for an understanding of the similarities and differences of the nature and physics of landslide movement. Type of material, speed of motion, slope angle, potential frequency of occurrence, weather and climatic influences, and man-made disturbances as well as other factors have a bearing on landslide motion, size and impact, yet we can generally group and categorize most landslides into more understandable groupings. Landslide typology is constantly evolving and becoming more exact, given the expanding tools of site investigation, improving computer and GIS modeling, and careful peer analysis.