Landslides and their control in the Chinese Loess Plateau: models and case studies from Gansu Province, China

Abstract

Over much of the western part of the Loess Plateau of north China, aeolian silts averaging 150 m in thickness drape the mountainous pre-Pleistocene bedrock. The semi-arid climate with its violent monsoonal rainstorms, and the recurrent earthquakes associated with the continuing uplift of the adjacent Tibetan Plateau, contribute to frequent and rapid failure of the loess-mantled slopes. Losses of livelihood and life are amongst the most serious in all China. Landslides in eastern Gansu total more than 40000 and affect over 27% of the total area of the Province. Accelerating population growth and associated expansion in both industry and agriculture, especially since the 1950s, has added urgency to the need to improve control and management of the landslide hazard. Several approaches to control and prevention have evolved, tailored to failure type and stage of development. Some of these are discussed, particular attention being paid to certain successful procedures employed in the control of two large landslides in the major city of Tianshui. It is suggested that these slides provide a useful model for future landslide control and prevention strategies in similar urban agglomerations in the Chinese Loess Plateau.