This chapter reviews a comprehensive range of slope movement processes and classifies them based on features relevant to recognition, avoidance, control, or correction. The term "slope movements" is used instead of "landslides" to emphasize precision in technical communication. The classification extends to include extremely slow distributed movements of rock and soil, overturning or toppling failures, and spreading movements. Slope movements can be classified by various attributes, including type of movement, material, rate of movement, geometry, age, causes, degree of disruption, and relation to geologic structure.
The classification is divided into five main types of movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. Falls are rapid descents of masses along steep slopes, while topples involve forward rotation without collapse. Slides can be rotational or translational, with rotational slides being more common in homogeneous materials. Spreads involve lateral extension through shear or tensile fractures, and flows can be fast or slow, wet or dry, and can occur in bedrock, debris, or earth. Complex slope movements combine two or more types of movement.
The chapter also discusses the significance of water content in flow movements, the mechanics of complex movements, and the hazards posed by large, rapid rock fall-debris flows. Examples of these movements are provided, including the 1970 HuascarĂ¡ avalanche in Peru, which caused significant loss of life and property. The chapter emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanics of these complex processes.This chapter reviews a comprehensive range of slope movement processes and classifies them based on features relevant to recognition, avoidance, control, or correction. The term "slope movements" is used instead of "landslides" to emphasize precision in technical communication. The classification extends to include extremely slow distributed movements of rock and soil, overturning or toppling failures, and spreading movements. Slope movements can be classified by various attributes, including type of movement, material, rate of movement, geometry, age, causes, degree of disruption, and relation to geologic structure.
The classification is divided into five main types of movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. Falls are rapid descents of masses along steep slopes, while topples involve forward rotation without collapse. Slides can be rotational or translational, with rotational slides being more common in homogeneous materials. Spreads involve lateral extension through shear or tensile fractures, and flows can be fast or slow, wet or dry, and can occur in bedrock, debris, or earth. Complex slope movements combine two or more types of movement.
The chapter also discusses the significance of water content in flow movements, the mechanics of complex movements, and the hazards posed by large, rapid rock fall-debris flows. Examples of these movements are provided, including the 1970 HuascarĂ¡ avalanche in Peru, which caused significant loss of life and property. The chapter emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanics of these complex processes.