Rapid and Slow Unlocking-Induced Startup Mechanisms of Locked Segment-Dominated Landslides

Figure 1

Geological profiles of the (a) Yanchihe [7] and (b) Longxi slopes [8], and (c) typical formation and failure processes of a locked segment. Step 1: a bottom slip surface develops or preexists. Step 2: tension cracks form a macrofissure with slope deformation, where the intact part between the fissure and bottom slip surface serves as a locked segment. Step 3: the locked segment becomes unlocked and landslide occurs.

(a)

(b)

(c)