Slope instability phenomena in permafrost regions of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Permafrost covers a significant area of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Slope instability problem in the region was often neglected, though it plays important roles in engineering construction and landform processes. In this paper, the slope instability phenomena in the permafrost regions on the plateau are discussed. The slope failures often occur in the forms of thaw-induced landslides and gelifluction. Thaw-induced landslides are closely related to active layer detachment and changes of permafrost conditions. Such landslides include retrogressive flow and thaw slump and are hazardous to engineering constructions. Gelifluction includes deep-seated movement and surface movement. It is an important factor in landform planation because it may spread over a large area and remain active for a long period of time.