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Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformation

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Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

Definition

A deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DGSD) is a gravity-induced process affecting large portions of slopes evolving over very long periods of time. A DGSD may displace rock volumes of up to hundreds of millions of cubic meters, with thicknesses of up to a few hundred meters.

Introduction

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSDs) are not considered hazardous phenomena because they evolve very slowly. However, they must not be neglected when defining slope instability in a territory and the related hazard implications. Despite their slow deformation rates, DGSDs may cause damage to surface and underground (e.g., tunnels) structures. In addition, they may evolve into faster mass movements or favor collateral landslide processes.

Causes

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations are often recognized in formerly glaciated valleys and in seismically active mountain regions. The occurrence of DGSD is generally related to tensional stresses induced by gravity...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Largo S. Eufemia 19, 41121, Modena, Italy

    Dr. Mauro Soldati

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  1. Dr. Mauro Soldati
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Correspondence to Mauro Soldati .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada

    Peter T. Bobrowsky

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Soldati, M. (2013). Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformation. In: Bobrowsky, P.T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4399-4_86

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