The debris avalanche in Donghekou area triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan (M8.0) earthquake: Features and possible transportation mechanisms

Abstract In 2008, the Wenchuan earthquake triggered many large landslides with rapid movement and long runouts, resulting in a great number of casualties. Although there have been studies geographical features initiation mechanisms some catastrophic landslides, for remain unclear. this paper, we present case study landslide (debris avalanche) by 2008 Donghekou area, Sichuan Province, China. We made detailed field surveys carried out subsurface investigations deposits using microtremor array measurement electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Based on observed surficial features, shear-wave velocity (Vs) profiles 2D deposits, estimated possible thickness at different locations, also analyzed landsliding mechanisms. inferred that resulted from retrogressive failures source displaced materials underwent transitional spreading further entrainment debris along travel path. Multiple mud waves might formed substrate soil layers path due to entraining materials, presented channelized movements, indicating parts may moved speeds. This kind transportation mechanism provide information elevating numerical simulation landsliding, reuse deposit area landslides.