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Causes of slope instability in the Himalayas

Article Information:

Title:

Causes of slope instability in the Himalayas

Author(s):

Ashish Kumar Singh

Journal:

Disaster Prevention and Management

Year:

2009

Volume:

18

Issue:

3

Page:

283 - 298


ISSN:

0965-3562


DOI:

10.1108/09653560910965646

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt to generate a better, systematic and scientific understanding of the basic reasons behind slope instability to help in developing the basic principles of landslide hazard zonation, monitoring and forecasting of landslide hazards for better and more effective landslide hazard mitigation and management.

Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on extensive field observations and intensive reviews of literature from secondary sources.

Findings – Mass movements especially landslides as they are known to common man are a recurring natural phenomenon and are an integral part of any geological/geomorphological circle of landform development through sequential development of slopes in any elevated region and especially in young fold mountain chains.

Practical implications – The paper presents a valuable insight into the basic reasons behind a landslide to spread awareness, to educate and sensitize people towards better and effective landslide hazard mitigation and thereby ensure people's participation in disaster management. It also aims to initiate and encourage research in the field of landslide management.

Originality/value – Landslides occur frequently and without any appreciable warning as such causing havoc and often insurmountable damage to life and property but despite their uncertainty, their causative factors and indicators of slope instability are very well known to an extent that the magnitude of these events, susceptible areas, the timing of such events and their potential impact can be studied, analyzed and evaluated on the basis of past occurrences and existing knowledge to mitigate their impact. The real value of the present study is to minimize losses due to landslides through better knowledge and enhanced levels of understanding of the phenomenon and its management by simply avoiding those particular reasons that could lead to slope instability problems.

Keywords:

Disasters, Hazards, Landslides, Risk management


Article Type:

Conceptual paper


Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/09653560910965646

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