Quantifying the contribution of matric suction on changes in stability and displacement rate of a translational landslide in glaciolacustrine clay

A study of factors impacting landslide displacement rates was conducted on the Ripley Landslide within Thompson River valley in British Columbia, Canada for International Programme Landslides’ project #202. Seasonal and multiyear changes atmospheric cause cyclic fluctuation matric suction vadose zone through to situ water content. The ingress moisture is shown contribute seasonal loss stability causing increasing rates, often disregarded slope calculations. However, content unsaturated important, especially semi-arid arid climates where table low large portions are unsaturated. Additional tools studying long-term variations climate presented. These used characterize historical compare several that have resulted changing magnitude. Infiltration precipitation snowmelt directly contributes head scarp exacerbated by presence tension cracks. While groundwater levels correlated can also influence displacement. Climatic trends over subsequent years alter soil accumulation which impacts By accounting additional strength, or potentially a strength due content, it possible develop more complete understanding mechanisms change drive translational, metastable earthen slides dominate valley. be applied comparable river valleys around world.