Preliminary global catalogue of displacement waves from subaerial landslides

Abstract

Displacement waves generated by subaerial landslides can have devastating effects and extend impacts of a landslide tens of kilometres or more. Most research has involved characterization of individual events and, in some cases, comparison of a few events. We have begun to broaden understanding of the phenomenon by compiling a preliminary global catalogue of landslide-generated displacement waves that provides insights into their geographic distribution, size, frequency, and range of mechanisms and impacts. The catalogue is based on a review of published case studies, tsunami catalogues, and the Norwegian national landslide database. It contains 254 events from the fourteenth century AD to 2012. Greater event density in regions with longer written histories, in areas with more settlement, and in the more recent part of the record suggests spatial and temporal biases in documentation and recording. Despite these biases, the spatial pattern of events suggests settings—likely determined by geologic, physiographic and tectonic controls— with elevated hazards that can help focus hazard investigation and mitigation. The diversity of events helps identify differences in displacement wave processes and their resulting impacts, such as wave run-up and travel distance.