Subaqueous Landslides Research Articles

Free gas distribution and basal shear zone development in a subaqueous landslide – Insight from 3D seismic imaging of the Tuaheni Landslide Complex, New Zealand

The Hikurangi margin is an active continental margin east of New Zealand's North Island. It is well recognized as a seismically active zone and is known for the occurrence of free gas and gas hydrates within the shallow sediments. A variety of subaqueous landslides can be observed at the margin, including the Tuaheni Landslide Complex off Poverty Bay. This slide complex has been interpreted previously as a slowly creeping landform, as its morphology and internal deformation is comparable to terrestrial earthflows and rock glaciers. In 2014, we acquired a high-resolution 3D seismic volume covering major parts of the Tuaheni South landslide. The 3D data show a variety of fluid migration indicators, free gas accumulations and manifestations of the base of gas hydrate stability in the pre-slide sedimentary units and the lower unit of the landslide system. The data also show that the landslide system is composed of an upper and lower unit that are separated by an intra-debris negative-polarity reflection. Free gas accumulations directly beneath the landslide units suggest that the debris acts as a boundary for rising fluids and only few migration pathways to the intra-debris reflector are observed in the distal parts of the landslide. Deformation within the landslide's debris is focused in the upper landslide unit, and we interpret the intra-debris reflector as a basal shear zone or ‘glide plane’ upon which the debris has been remobilized. The origin of the intra-debris reflector is unclear, but we suggest it could be a relatively coarse-grained horizon that would be prone to fluid flow focusing and the development of excess fluid pressure. Our seismic study provides one of the most detailed examples of a subaqueous landslide system and reveals insights into the fluid flow system and potential basal shear zone development of the Tuaheni Landslide Complex.

A consistent global approach for the morphometric characterization of subaqueous landslides

Abstract Landslides are common in aquatic settings worldwide, from lakes and coastal environments to the deep sea. Fast-moving, large-volume landslides can potentially trigger destructive tsunamis. Landslides damage and disrupt global communication links and other critical marine infrastructure. Landslide deposits act as foci for localized, but important, deep-seafloor biological communities. Under burial, landslide deposits play an important role in a successful petroleum system. While the broad importance of understanding subaqueous landslide processes is evident, a number of important scientific questions have yet to receive the needed attention. Collecting quantitative data is a critical step to addressing questions surrounding subaqueous landslides. Quantitative metrics of subaqueous landslides are routinely recorded, but which ones, and how they are defined, depends on the end-user focus. Differences in focus can inhibit communication of knowledge between communities, and complicate comparative analysis. This study outlines an approach specifically for consistent measurement of subaqueous landslide morphometrics to be used in the design of a broader, global open-source, peer-curated database. Examples from different settings illustrate how the approach can be applied, as well as the difficulties encountered when analysing different landslides and data types. Standardizing data collection for subaqueous landslides should result in more accurate geohazard predictions and resource estimation.

Subaqueous landslide-triggered tsunami hazard for Lake Zurich, Switzerland

Subaqueous landslides can induce potentially damaging tsunamis. Tsunamis are not restricted to the marine environment, but have also been documented on lakes in Switzerland and worldwide. For Lake Zurich (central Switzerland), previous work documented multiple, assumedly earthquake-triggered landslides. However, no information about past tsunamis is available for Lake Zurich. In a back-analysis, we model tsunami scenarios as a consequence of the earthquake-triggered landslides in the past. Furthermore, on the basis of a recent map of the earthquake-triggered subaqueous landslide hazard, we present results of a tsunami hazard assessment. The subaqueous landslide progression, wave propagation and inundation are calculated with a combination of open source codes. Although no historic evidence of past tsunamis has been documented for Lake Zurich, a tsunami hazard exists. However, only earthquakes with long return periods are assumed to cause considerable tsunamis. An earthquake with an exceedance probability of 0.5% in 50 years (corresponding to an earthquake with a return period of 9975 years) is assumed to cause tsunamigenic landslides on most lateral slopes of Lake Zurich. A hypothetical tsunami for such an event would create damage especially along the shores of the central basin of Lake Zurich with estimated peak flow depths of up to ~ 4.6 m. Our results suggest that for an earthquake with an exceedance probability of 10% in 50 years (i.e., mean return period of 475 years), no considerable tsunami hazard is estimated. Even for a worst-case scenario, the cities of Zurich and Rapperswil, located at the northern and southern ends of the lake, respectively, are assumed to experience very little damage. The presented first-order results of estimated wave heights and inundated zones provide valuable information on tsunami-prone areas that can be used for further investigations and mitigation measures.

Quantitative characterization of subaqueous landslides in Lake Zurich (Switzerland) based on a high-resolution bathymetric dataset

Abstract New high-resolution surveying techniques allow subaqueous geomorphology to be investigated in great detail. Such analyses are important as the morphologies are often indicative of past processes, including mass movements. For peri-alpine Lake Zurich, many mass-wasting events have occurred in the past millennia. While the ages of these events are known from past studies on the respective deposits in the lake basin, the surface expressions and distribution of the respective features on the slopes have not been extensively described. Here we quantitatively characterize the morphologic features on the entire lake floor. A total of 50 subaqueous landslides are morphologically identified in a high-resolution digital bathymetric model (DBM), mapped and characterized using a geographic information system (GIS). Many slides show relatively small erosion areas (<0.05 km 2 ) and are located in shallow water (<10 m water depth). The roughness of the individual landslide-translation areas is quantified using the standard deviation of a measure called bathymetric position index (BPI) and related to the slides ages. The DBM allows the detection of traces of mass-movements dating back to c. 5000 cal years BP. Our results demonstrate that morphometric analyses on a high-resolution DBM can contribute to a better understanding of sublacustrine mass movements.

A subaqueous hazard map for earthquake-triggered landslides in Lake Zurich, Switzerland

The awareness of geohazards in the subaqueous environment has steadily increased in the past years and there is an increased need to assess these hazards in a quantitative sense. Prime examples are subaqueous landslides, which can be triggered by a number of processes including earthquakes or human activities, and which may impact offshore and onshore infrastructure and communities. In the literature, a plenitude of subaqueous landslide events are related to historical earthquakes, including cases from lakes in Switzerland. Here, we present an approach for a basin-wide earthquake-triggered subaquatic landslide hazard assessment for Lake Zurich, which is surrounded by a densely populated shoreline. Our analysis is based on high-resolution sediment-mechanical and geophysical input data. Slope stabilities are calculated with a grid-based limit equilibrium model on an infinite slope, which uses Monte Carlo sampled input data from a sediment-mechanical stratigraphy of the lateral slopes. Combined with probabilistic ground-shaking forecasts from a recent national seismic hazard analysis, subaquatic earthquake-triggered landslide hazard maps are constructed for different mean return periods, ranging from 475 to 9975 years. Our results provide a first quantitative landslide hazard estimation for the lateral slopes in Lake Zurich. Furthermore, a back-analysis of a case-study site indicates that pseudostatic accelerations in the range between 0.04 and 0.08 g were needed to trigger a well-investigated subaqueous landslide, dated to ~2210 cal. years B.P.

Experimental study on the motion behavior and mechanism of submarine landslides

Submarine landslide is a common marine geo-hazard that shows different motion behavior with subaerial landslide. In this study, a test apparatus is developed to reproduce the extremely long distance movement of submarine landslides at different sliding velocities. The frontal behavior of subaqueous landslide under the dynamic pressure and shear stress of ambient water is described and analyzed. The evolution of the sediment concentration during the submarine landslide propagation is investigated. With an increase of the sliding velocity, the state of soil-water mixture can be divided into three stages: 1) landslide stage, the mixture consists a water layer and a sand layer; 2) transforming stage, a turbidity current layer appears above the sand-water interface, and the sand mass decreases gradually; 3) turbidity current stage, all of the sand particles are eroded by water and the sand layer disappears. In addition, the critical velocities between each stage are defined and investigated.

Probabilistic stability evaluation and seismic triggering scenarios of submerged slopes in Lake Zurich (Switzerland)

Subaqueous landslides and their consequences, such as tsunamis, can cause serious damage to offshore infrastructure and coastal communities. Stability analyses of submerged slopes are therefore crucial, yet complex steps for hazard assessment, as many geotechnical and morphological factors need to be considered. Typically, deterministic models with data from a few sampling locations are used for the evaluation of slope stabilities, as high efforts are required to ensure high spatial data coverage. This study presents a simple but flexible approach for the probabilistic stability assessment of subaqueous slopes that takes into account the spatial variability of geotechnical data. The study area (~2 km2) in Lake Zurich (northern Switzerland) shows three distinct subaquatic landslides with well-defined headscarps, translation areas (i.e. the zone where translational sliding occurred) and mass transport deposits. The ages of the landslides are known (~2,210 and ~640 cal. yr BP, and 1918 AD), and their triggers have been assigned to different mechanisms by previous studies. A combination of geophysical, geotechnical, and sedimentological methods served to analyse the subaquatic slope in great spatial detail: 3.5 kHz pinger seismic reflection data and a 300 kHz multibeam bathymetric dataset (1 m grid) were used for the detection of landslide features and for the layout of a coring and an in situ cone penetration testing campaign. The assignment of geotechnical data to lithological units enabled the construction of a sediment-mechanical stratigraphy that consists of four units, each with characteristic profiles of bulk density and shear strength. The thickness of each mechanical unit can be flexibly adapted to the local lithological unit thicknesses identified from sediment cores and seismic reflection profiles correlated to sediment cores. The sediment-mechanical stratigraphy was used as input for a Monte Carlo simulated limit-equilibrium model on an infinite slope for the assessment of the present slope stability and for a back analysis of past landslides in the study area, both for static and earthquake-triggered scenarios. The results show that the location of failure initiation in the model is consistent with stratigraphic analysis and failure-plane identification from sediment cores. Furthermore, today’s sediment-charged slopes are failure-prone, even for a static case. This approach of including an adaptable sediment-mechanical stratigraphy into a limit-equilibrium slope stability analysis may be applied as well to the marine realm.

Subaqueous landslides at the distal basin of Lago Nahuel Huapi (Argentina): Towards a tsunami hazard evaluation in Northern Patagonian lakes

The May 22nd, 1960 Valdivia earthquake, Chile (Mw 9.5) triggered a series of subaqueous mass-wasting processes (debris flows and slides) in Lago Nahuel Huapi (Argentina), generating a tsunami-like wave that hit the coasts of San Carlos de Bariloche. Aiming to provide a first preliminary insight into tsunami hazards for the lakeshore communities, in this paper we identify and characterize the subaqueous landslides at the populated distal basin of the lake. Swath bathymetric and seismic profiling surveys were carried out and high-resolution digital elevation models were derived from these data to perform a landslide inventory map. A series of morphometrical parameters (including the landslide area, the volume of displaced materials and the run-out distance, among others) were estimated upon selected events. The results indicated that landslide activity at the distal basin of Lago Nahuel Huapi has been concentrated in the vicinity of Bariloche (massive landslide triggered by the 1960 earthquake) and within steep delta fronts where the slope failures typically initiate at shallow waters (9–11m depth). The sliding mass frequently travels basinward along a great distance (≥1000m). At the delta fronts, the volume of material removed by landslides can reach ~40×104m3, leaving scar areas of up to 13m thick. The periodic occurrence of rotational–translational mass movements initiating at the upper edge of the delta fronts, with vertical displacements of the mobilized materials reaching ~200m, probably represents a potential tsunami hazard for the nearby populated coasts.

Inferring the high velocity of landslides in Valles Marineris on Mars from morphological analysis

The flow characteristics and velocities of three landslides in Valles Marineris on Mars are investigated using detailed morphological analyses of high-resolution images and dynamical calculations based on the run-up and curvature of the landslide deposits. The morphologies of the landslides are described, especially concerning those characteristics that can provide information on the dynamics and velocity. The long runout and estimated high velocities, often exceeding 100 m/s, confirm a low basal friction experienced by these landslides. Because subaqueous landslides on Earth exhibit reduced friction, we explore the scenario of sub-lacustrine failures, but find little support to this hypothesis. The environmental conditions that better explain the low friction and the presence of longitudinal furrows suggest an aerial environment with a basal soft and naturally lubricating medium on which friction diminished gradually; in this perspective, ice is the most promising candidate.

The role of sediment composition and behavior under dynamic loading conditions on slope failure initiation: a study of a subaqueous landslide in earthquake-prone South-Central Chile

Subaqueous slope failure mechanisms are still poorly understood partly because they are difficult to study due to the remote location of submarine landslides. Landslides in lakes are smaller in size and more readily accessible and therefore represent a good alternative to their marine counterparts. Lake Villarrica, located in South-Central Chile, experienced significant slope failure and serves here as an exemplary study area for subaqueous landslide initiation mechanisms in tectonically active settings. Coring and CPTU testing were undertaken with the MARUM free-fall CPTU deployed adjacent to the coring sites where all lithological units involved in the slope failure were sampled. Using geotechnical methods such as pseudo-static factor of safety analysis and cyclic triaxial testing, three types of soils (i.e., diatomaceous ooze, volcanic ash, and quick clay) were analyzed for their role in slope failure, and earthquake shaking was identified as the primary trigger mechanism. The investigated landslide consisted of two distinct phases. During the first phase, slope failure was initiated above a tephra layer. In the second phase, retrogression led to the shoreward extension of the slide scarp along a second failure plane located in a stratigraphically deeper, extremely sensitive lithology (i.e., quick clay). Results show that liquefaction of buried tephra layers was unlikely, but such layers might still have contributed to a reduction in shear strength along the contact area with the neighboring sediment. Furthermore, cyclic shaking-induced pore pressure in diatomaceous ooze may be similar to that in granular soils. We generally infer that failure mechanisms observed in this study are equally important for landslide initiation in submarine settings as diatomaceous ooze intercalated with volcanic ash may be abundantly present along active continental margins.

The aureole of Olympus Mons (Mars) as the compound deposit of submarine landslides

The enigmatic deposits building up the Olympus Mons aureole on Mars are likely among the largest landslide remnants in the Solar System. These deposits exhibit an extraordinary run-out distance (up to nearly 700 km), in spite of a fall height some 100 times smaller. After quantifying the mobility of the Olympus Mons aureole lobes it is suggested, based on dynamical considerations and morphological analysis, that the aureole could be the consequence of a series of gigantic subaqueous landslides. In order to bring evidence in favor of this interpretation, comparisons are drawn between the different landslide deposits on Earth and Mars, emphasizing the similarity with the rock avalanches of the Canary Islands and the Hawaii. The results of experimental subaqueous debris flows are also analyzed, and numerical calculations are introduced to simulate the dynamics of flow. In analogy with certain subaqueous landslides on Earth, it is possible that the outstanding run-out of the aureole lobes was a consequence of hydroplaning, a natural lubrication by water during flow.

Expanding collapse in partially submerged granular soil slopes

The traditional approach to stability analysis of granular slopes leads to the safety factor that is associated with a planar failure surface approaching the slope face, whether the slope is “dry” or submerged. However, for partially submerged slopes, a more critical, nonplanar failure surface can be formed. A family of geometrically similar surfaces can be found that is characterized by the same safety factor. If the safety factor drops down to unity and the slope becomes unstable, then a mechanism of any size can form. Alternatively, the failure may start at some small region and then the volume of the mechanism of failure can expand, giving rise to a progressive failure of a different kind that is typically associated with slopes. This progression has the character of a “disturbance” or a shock-like kinematic discontinuity propagating into the soil at rest. A quantitative analysis is presented and it is demonstrated that the soil dilates while the mechanism expands, leaving the slope weakened and susceptible to a deep failure. This is a plausible mode of failure of partially submerged slopes, the type that is most likely responsible for large subaqueous landslides, and is similar to the well-documented instability propagation in “quick clay.”

An equivalent fluid/equivalent medium approach for the numerical simulation of coastal landslides propagation: theory and case studies

Abstract. Coastal and subaqueous landslides can be very dangerous phenomena since they are characterised by the additional risk of induced tsunamis, unlike their completely-subaerial counterparts. Numerical modelling of landslides propagation is a key step in forecasting the consequences of landslides. In this paper, a novel approach named Equivalent Fluid/Equivalent Medium (EFEM) has been developed. It adapts common numerical models and software that were originally designed for subaerial landslides in order to simulate the propagation of combined subaerial-subaqueous and completely-subaqueous landslides. Drag and buoyancy forces, the loss of energy at the landslide-water impact and peculiar mechanisms like hydroplaning can be suitably simulated by this approach; furthermore, the change in properties of the landslide's mass, which is encountered at the transition from the subaerial to the submerged environment, can be taken into account. The approach has been tested by modelling two documented coastal landslides (a debris flow and a rock slide at Lake Albano) using the DAN-W code. The results, which were achieved from the back-analyses, demonstrate the efficacy of the approach to simulate the propagation of different types of coastal landslides.

Megaturbidite deposits in the Holocene basin fill of Lake Como (Southern Alps, Italy)

For the first time, limnogeological investigations have been carried out in Lake Como, the deepest lake of the Alps, combining a bathymetric survey (multibeam Simrad 3000) with a high-resolution seismic reflection study (single-channel 3.5 kHz sub-bottom profiler) and a coring campaign (gravity corer). This data set enables detailed characterization of the sedimentary subsurface in the western branch of the lake, the Como branch, which has a typical fjord morphology. This paper focuses on the deepest part of the Como branch (Argegno basin), in which up to 3.5-m-thick turbidite deposits are identified. The basin fill of the Como branch is characterized by well-layered draping and onlapping pelagic sediments that are locally affected by creeping and that are intercalated with mass-wasting deposits, in particular with two large debris-flow deposits evolving into megaturbidites in the deepest part of the basin. The multibeam data together with the acoustic-facies distributions and the volumes of these two major sedimentary deposits MT1 (∼ 3 × 10 6 m 3) and MT2 (∼ 10.5 × 10 6 m 3) indicate that they resulted from large slides at the northern tip of the Como branch along the steep slopes of a sub-lacustrine plateau. The estimated ages of these events, around the mid-12th (MT1) and early 6th (MT2) centuries, are extrapolated from mean sedimentation rates based on radiocarbon ( 14C) and radionuclide ( 137Cs) analyses from short cores in the Argegno basin. Possible trigger mechanisms leading to these catastrophic events in the Como branch include a combination of steep-slope overloading, with significant lake-level fluctuations related to Holocene climate change and/or earthquake shaking. The tentative age assignment places the age of both major mass movements near two other events: MT1 near the occurrence of a major earthquake in the Po Plain in 1222 AD (Intensity IX MCS, macroseismically derived magnitude 6.2) and MT2 near a megaturbidite triggered in ∼ 700 AD in a proglacial lake in southeastern Switzerland [Blass, A., Anselmetti, F., Grosjean, M., Sturm, M., 2005. The last 1300 years of environmental history in the sediments of Lake Sils (Engadine, Switzerland). Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae 98, 319–332]. Since dangerous, tsunami-like waves (seiches) can be generated by large sub-aqueous landslides leading to such megaturbidites in this fjord-like basin, future studies are required: 1) to constrain the age of these catastrophic events; 2) to document the stabilities of the steep slopes in the Como branch, 3) to assess the expected frequency of such catastrophic events and 4) to model the propagation of large waves in the Como branch and their potential damage along the highly populated lake shore.

Magnitudes and source areas of large prehistoric northern Alpine earthquakes revealed by slope failures in lakes

We identify evidence for three large paleo-earthquakes in central Switzerland with moment magnitudes (M > 6.5-7.0) significantly exceeding historically known values. These earthquakes occurred during the past 15 k.y. and were strong enough to simultaneously affect a large region that includes the present-day major cities of Lucerne and Zurich. We reconstruct the chronology, magnitudes, and epicenters of these prehistoric earthquakes using temporal and spatial correlation of multiple subaqueous landslide deposits in Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne through high-resolution seismic surveys, radiocarbon-dated sediment cores, and spatial calculations using an empirical seismic attenuation model. Our data indicate ongoing Alpine deformation that generated and could potentially generate destructive events in heavily populated regions that have been unaccustomed to seismic activity during historic time.

A history of Pacific Northwest earthquakes recorded in Holocene sediments from Lake Washington

Large earthquakes can trigger slumping of the steep walls of lake basins and landslides in the drainage area, resulting in turbidite deposition in the lake and increased detrital flux from inlets. Holocene sediments in piston cores from Lake Washington contain a series of terrigenous layers that were episodically deposited in the lake. Sedimentological, geochemical, and paleomagnetic analyses on nine piston cores show that the detrital layers are temporally and areally correlatable, indicating basinwide disruptions. These layers are opaque on X‐radiographs, are coincident with magnetic susceptibility peaks, have abundant aluminosilicate minerals, are relatively coarse grained, and have low organic carbon and biogenic silica contents. The thicknesses and geographic distributions of the layers suggest that they are not due to floods or delta destabilization. Side scan swath imagery and subbottom profiling show that large slumps, subaqueous landslides, and debris flows are common along the margins of the lake. A detailed chronology, established from 21 radiocarbon ages on five cores, show that a prominent turbidite was deposited about 1000–1100 years ago. This turbidite apparently was triggered by a large earthquake that probably occurred on the Seattle fault. Other depositional events in the sediment record at 1500–1700, 2400–2500, and 2800–3200 years ago coincide with periods of landsliding that have been previously inferred from the dating of drowned trees in the lake. More than 30 depositional events have occurred in the last 12,000 years and 21 disturbances have occurred since the deposition of the Mazama ash about 7,600 years ago. If all the events are due to earthquakes, the Puget Sound region has been subject to major shaking every 300 to 400 years. The strong intensities needed to trigger subaqueous slides may not be generated by just local sources such as the Seattle fault but could also be caused by great subduction earthquakes occurring along the coast.

Submarine Geology Framework of the Strait of Gibraltar

Three-dimensional, computer-generated bathymetric views and high-resolution sparker profiles are presented to illustrate the geologic framework of the Strait of Gibraltar. 'The Ridge,' an apparent structural feature, divides the Strait into a deeper, more narrow eastern portion and a shallower, wider and more irregular western portion. Sparker profiles show the Moroccan and Spanish shelves to be underlain by rocks whose deformation correlates with the structural deformation of the Betic and Rif Mountains. However, a portion of the center portion of the Strait is floored with approximately 700 m of horizontal sediments despite the adjacent structural deformation and the presence of strong bottom currents. The alternating sequence of well-layered and chaotic-layered sediments suggests periods of large-scale subaqueous landslides that post-date the structural deformation of the Strait. In other areas, the Strait appears to be free of unconsolidated sediments. Large bedrock horsts modify the topography of the floor and side walls.

Observations on delta-forming processes in a fjord-head delta, British Columbia, Canada

The Bella Coola delta is a laterally confined, steep-fronted, fjord-head delta in North Bentinck Arm in the Pacific Coast Mountains of British Columbia. The principal controls on sedimentation are: (1) the high sediment yield and bedload dominance of the Bella Coola River, which reflect climatic conditions and high drainage basin relief; (2) river mouth processes, which are controlled by tidal stage and delta morphology; and (3) delta front deformational processes, which are related primarily to oversteepening in the upper delta front. Wave processes are of limited significance. The large tidal range (3.9 m mean range, 5.9 m large range) changes the location of distributary outlets. At high tide and high discharge, frictional forces dominate and the effluent disperses as a plane jet over the delta plain; at low tide and high discharge, inertial, frictional and buoyant forces are important and the effluent disperses over saline basin water. Subaqueous landslides and debris flows have produced a series of erosional chutes on the delta front.

Subaqueous Landslides and Diapirs, Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Subaqueous Landslides and Diapirs, Gulf of Mexico: ABSTRACT

Digitally acquired undistorted side-scan sonar images of submarine landslides, Mississippi River delta

New side-scan sonar images that are free from scale distortions have been acquired from an area of the Mississippi Delta, where a variety of subaqueous landslides are forming. Collapse depressions, diapiric intrusions, elongate sinuous and merging channels floored with chaotic blocks, and prominent parallel and subparallel scarps result from various types of subaqueous mass-movement processes. Scale-true, overlapping adjacent sonographs, combined with accurate offshore navigation, have yielded the first mosaics of the sea-floor morphology over a 70-km2 area. These mosaics can be used to infer a considerable number of associations in morphology, forcing mechanisms, and spatial internal characteristics. The new side-scan sonar method offers considerable potential for accurate remapping and assessment of active submarine landslides.