Mechanism of a low-angle translational block slide: evidence from the September 2018 Naga landslide, Philippines

Abstract

There is a general lack of understanding on the detailed processes and mechanism of low-angle translational block slides. The September 20, 2018 Naga landslide, with a volume of 27 M m3 and a runout distance of 1.34 km, provided new insights on the initiation, transport, and deposition mechanisms of this type of landslide. Drone photogrammetry, video footage, satellite images, slope stability analyses, and field evidence revealed that the landslide occurred as multiple block detachments along a series of tension cracks that formed and grew progressively prior to the main failure. Predominance of intact upright blocks traceable to the distal end of the deposit indicates dominant translational motion. Facies within the Naga landslide deposit revealed that at least three processes (slide, dry flow, and fall) occurred during the main movement. Post-slide processes immediately after emplacement included small avalanches and rockfalls related to the instability of the landslide deposit and the main scarp. Preliminary slope stability analyses showed that the slopes were marginally unstable (FoS 0.67–3.96) even in dry conditions. The low-angle profile of the slip surface (6°) favors stability, but low shear strength of the limestone bedrock and unsupported cut slopes may have contributed to the failure.