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Controlling factors of loess landslides in western China

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Abstract

Based on detailed field data from recent geo-hazards surveys in the Loess Plateau region of western China, this study analyzes the key factors that control loess landslides. The evolution phase of river valleys, the geological structure of slopes and the geometry of slopes are all found to play a role in determining the occurrence, distribution and other characteristics of loess landslides. Groundwater and vegetation also contribute to their formation. A combination of human engineering activities and precipitation events are the principal triggering factors for the instability of loess slopes.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the funding support from the National Land Resources Survey Project (1212010541106-3, 1212010740907) and the National Scientific Support Project (2006BAC04B05). The authors also greatly appreciate the help in field survey and data collection from Xiao Peixi, Wei Xingli, Huang Yuhua, Nie Haogang, Wang Jiayun, Wu Wenying, Li Lin, Sun Qiaoyin, Zhang Rui, Li Qing, Wang Xiaoyong, Zeng Lei, Xue Qiang and Yi Hao. Professor Lin Zaiguan provided valuable suggestions and great help in editing this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Water Research, College of Engineering, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China

    M. Zhang & Jie Liu

  2. Xi’an Regional Center, China Geological Survey, Xi’an, China

    M. Zhang

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  1. M. Zhang
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  2. Jie Liu
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Correspondence to Jie Liu.

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Zhang, M., Liu, J. Controlling factors of loess landslides in western China. Environ Earth Sci 59, 1671–1680 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0149-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-009-0149-7

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