Neogene clay and its relation to landslides in the southwestern Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

Loess occurs widely in Northwestern China, covering Neogene clay and other sedimentary units that overlie the bedrock. The Neogene clays of the Baoji Region of Shaanxi Province, north China, including the eolian Hipparion and paleo-Sanmen Lake fluvial deposits, are typical clays of the southern Chinese Loess Plateau. These clays are also sensitive key strata controlling the development of large-scale landslides along the slope of the loess tableland surrounding the Guanzhong Basin. To investigate the Neogene clay types and landslides in the region, soil samples were tested and the macro- and micro-structures of the clay strata were analyzed. Comprehensive analysis methods, including the pipette method and fine X-ray diffraction, were applied to quantitatively analyze the sample composition and determine the clay mineral types. The Neogene clays are mainly composed of illite and montmorillonite mixed-layer minerals. On the Williams’ discrimination diagram of swelling potential, both types of clay are medium to strongly expansive soil. Two case studies illustrate that rainfall reduces the shear strength of the Neogene clay and raises the groundwater level. Rainfall has gradually destroyed the structure of the Neogene clay, transforming it to sliding belt soil. The sliding belt lies mainly within the Neogene clay layers, significantly affecting the occurrence and characteristics of landslides in Baoji. The rise in groundwater level and weakening of the shear strength of the Neogene clay are important factors in the occurrence of landslides. The long-term strength is a key factor affecting the development of loess landslides along the loess tableland in Baoji.