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Mechanism of rainfall-induced loess landslides revealed by multi-source data

Author

Listed:
  • HongYu Liu

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • YanJun Li

    (Beijing Jiaotong University
    Beijing Zhongdihuaan Science And Technology Co. LTD.)

  • MingZhou Bai

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • Xu Gao

    (Railway Construction Research Institute, China Academy of Railway Science Group Co., LTD.)

  • Ling Yang

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • ZiLun Zhang

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • MingHui Zuo

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

  • Qain Liu

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Rainfall significantly affects the occurrence of loess landslides. Therefore, understanding how these landslides deform and fail due to rainfall remains a critical area of engineering research. The significant heterogeneity and anisotropy of the loess often result in random slope failures. This study explored the mechanism of a loess landslide that occurred in Lingwan Village, Shaanxi Province, utilizing multi-source data collected from field investigations, high-density electrical detection, and in-situ monitoring. The results demonstrated that the occurrence of the loess landslide is closely related to the lithology, landform characteristics, hydrogeological conditions, and precipitation patterns. A significant increase in both surface and crack deformation rates was observed during the rainy season; however, this increase exhibited a temporal lag. The depth of rainfall infiltration into the loess layer through the pores was limited. The groundwater recharge, runoff, and discharge channels within the slope were interconnected. The sinkholes on the slope surface and the concealed fractures within the slope served as the primary pathways for rainwater infiltration. The evolution of the loess landslide can be divided into three stages: creep deformation, creep expansion, and sliding failure. Currently, the landslide is undergoing creep deformation, and due to continuous rainfall, it remains susceptible to further instability and deformation.

Suggested Citation

  • HongYu Liu & YanJun Li & MingZhou Bai & Xu Gao & Ling Yang & ZiLun Zhang & MingHui Zuo & Qain Liu, 2025. "Mechanism of rainfall-induced loess landslides revealed by multi-source data," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(8), pages 9141-9160, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:8:d:10.1007_s11069-025-07167-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07167-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joram Wachira Mburu & An-Jui Li & Horn-Da Lin & Chih-Wei Lu, 2022. "Investigations of Unsaturated Slopes Subjected to Rainfall Infiltration Using Numerical Approaches—A Parametric Study and Comparative Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-37, November.
    2. Wan-li Xie & Qianyi Guo & Jason Y. Wu & Ping Li & Hui Yang & Maosheng Zhang, 2021. "Analysis of loess landslide mechanism and numerical simulation stabilization on the Loess Plateau in Central China," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 106(1), pages 805-827, March.
    3. Ram Ray & Jennifer Jacobs, 2007. "Relationships among remotely sensed soil moisture, precipitation and landslide events," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 43(2), pages 211-222, November.
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