On evaluating the stability of the Baiyian ancient landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Yangtze River: a geological history analysis

Numerous landslides have occurred during the construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir of the Yangtze River. Although the underlying causal factor of these landslides was heavy rainfall, the construction process was the trigger of some of them. We report here a systematic study aimed at reconstruct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental earth sciences 2008-10, Vol.55 (8), p.1699-1711
Main Authors: Li, Xiao, Liao, Qiulin, Wang, Sijing, Liu, Jishan, Lee, Souting
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alluvium
Canyons
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Evolution
Exact sciences and technology
Freshwater
Geological history
Geology
Geophysics
Landslides
Landslides & mudslides
Marine and continental quaternary
Natural hazards: prediction, damages, etc
Original Article
Plate tectonics
Reservoirs
Rivers
Sedimentation & deposition
Surficial geology
Terraces
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Summary:Numerous landslides have occurred during the construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir of the Yangtze River. Although the underlying causal factor of these landslides was heavy rainfall, the construction process was the trigger of some of them. We report here a systematic study aimed at reconstructing the geological history of an ancient landslide and, based on our results, an evaluation of the role of the history on current landslide stability. Data from detailed field surveys and the studies on geological dating revealed that the Baiyian landslide was composed of five structural parts of different geological ages, such as a sliding belt, disturbed rocks, ancient colluvium, alluvium of the Yangtze River and slope wash. The succession of ancient climates, terraces and tectonic processes in the study area were examined from 300 ka ago. The evolutionary history of the Baiyian ancient landslide can be divided into five distinct stages: development, occurrence, deposition, collapse and disintegration. Some parts of the ancient landslide are currently prone to instability due to the combination effects of heavy rainfall and construction of the reservoir.
ISSN:0943-0105
1866-6280
1432-0495
1866-6299
DOI:10.1007/s00254-007-1121-z