Geological analysis of gravitational rock slope deformation: a case from Nujiang River, China

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the gravity-induced rock slope deformation observed along the Nujiang River in China. We performed a comprehensive field investigation and analysis to identify the deformation pattern of the slope and its triggering factors. Moreover, a geological-evolutionary model was developed, and it considers the effects of river incision and rock mass degradation caused by weathering and simulates the mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of the slope deformation. The results support the proposed failure mechanism in which fractures within the slope are induced by rock mass degradation caused by weathering. Importantly, the modeling reveals that compressional deformation at the toe of the slope results in a tensile failure in the upper portion of the slope, demonstrating that the rock mass in the slope toe is the key factor inducing slope deformation. This analysis of slope deformation and its spatial and temporal correlations with rock weathering and river incision reveal the main triggering factors that control the evolution of the studied slope and provide insights into the deformation process.