Multiphysics hillslope processes triggering landslides

In 1996, a portion of a highly instrumented experimental catchment in the Oregon coast range failed as a large debris flow from heavy rain. For the first time, we quantify the 3-D multiphysical aspects that triggered this event, including the coupled sediment deformation-fluid flow processes responsible for mobilizing the slope failure. Our analysis is based on a hydromechanical continuum model that accounts for the loss of sediment strength due to increased saturation as well as the frictional drag exerted by the moving fluid. Our studies highlight the dominant role that bedrock topography and rainfall history played in defining the failure mechanism, as indicated by the location of the scarp zone that was accurately predicted by our 3-D continuum model.