Abstract
The parish of St Thomas has one of the highest densities of landslides in Jamaica, which impacts the residents, local economy and the built and natural environment. These landslides result from a combination of steep slopes, faulting, heavy rainfall and the presence of highly weathered volcanics, sandstones, limestones and sandstone/shale series and are particularly prevalent during the hurricane season (June–November). The paper reports a study of the rainfall thresholds and landslide susceptibility assessment to assist the prediction, mitigation and management of slope instability in landslide-prone areas of the parish.
Highlights
Landslides are common occurrence throughout the island of Jamaica
The rainfall thresholding plot yield an equation (I = 53.531×D-0.602 1 < D < 120) that may used to calculate the rainfall intensity require to trigger a landslides based on the duration of the rainfall event
The land surface of St Thomas Jamaica is highly prone to slope instability and their occurrences in the past has left a trail and distruction and resulted in severe economic hardship to residence within the area
Summary
Landslides are common occurrence throughout the island of Jamaica. They are typical located in upland areas of Jamaica and occur when highly susceptibility rocks, and/or soils masses on slope are triggered by earthquake and/or extreme rainfall activities (Zans,1959; Ahmad and Robinson, 1986; Barker and McGregor;. 1995; Morais, 2001: Matthew, and Dyer, 2002; ODPEM, 2006). Landslides are common occurrence throughout the island of Jamaica They are typical located in upland areas of Jamaica and occur when highly susceptibility rocks, and/or soils masses on slope are triggered by earthquake and/or extreme rainfall activities The consequences were that several villages and towns were isolated and cut off from essential services and supplies and farmers were unable to transport food produce to market and for processing. The cost from these landslides damages runs into millions of dollars, but no concrete figures can be given for the damage cause by landslides over the years. Landslide activity result in severe hardship when for example agricultural fields and connected road network are damaged, various eco-tourism attractions and ‘lightmanufacturing’ and food processing industries are affected (Smith, 2005)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
