Movement and mechanisms of a complex landslide: the case of East Gate Landslide, Glacier National Park, Canada

摘要

Active landslides can represent a permanent threat to populated areas and infrastructure. The behaviour of slow, active landslides is complex and the likelihood that such a landslide turns into a rapid and disastrous landslide is hard to predict. This paper presents a description of an active landslide in Canada and describes the methodology used to monitor the on-going movements. Results indicate important displacements along tension cracks situated south of the main head scarp with the potential to generate further rock mass failures. Also, the lowermost part of the debris mass exhibits high rates of movement averaging 1 m/month. Finally, comparison of slope morphology in 1999 and 2002 shows a significant transfer of material from upper parts to lower parts of the debris mass. A more sophisticated monitoring program would be required to better characterize this active landslide.