Cause of the Baige Landslides: Long-Term Cumulative Coupled Effect of Tectonic Action and Surface Erosion

Abstract In 2018, successive large-scale landslides occurred near the village of Baige in Jinshajiang suture zone on Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, posing substantial threat both to lives and property residents engineering facilities along upper lower reaches Jinsha River. this study, field investigation data, remote sensing images, aerial photography, microanalysis rocks, mechanical experiments were considered ascertain material geomorphic conditions explore failure mechanism process evolution under coupled effect exogenic endogenic factors. Located zone, close western boundary fault zone. The geological structure slope formation are controlled by specific environmental tectonic dynamics Tectonic damage has dramatically influenced strength hydraulic characteristics rock mass, rock’s uniaxial compressive resistance water disintegration have deteriorated markedly as a result. Strong weathering plateau repeated groundwater infiltration further reduced properties unique soil with inferior original characteristics. intensive crustal uplift rapid river erosion altered free face damaged thereby increasing gravitational potential energy mass. long-term cumulative movement surface denudation represents fundamental landslides. continues risk massive similar those that Baige.