How Small Slip Surfaces Evolve Into Large Submarine Landslides—Insight From 3D Numerical Modeling

Submarine landslides are a major marine geohazard affecting resilience of offshore infrastructure and coastal urban centers. Attention has previously been paid to quantifying post-failure dynamics catastrophic submarine debris flows their consequences. However, pre-failure initiation growth small slip surface evolving into large landslide still less understood. This study aims explore the physical failure mechanism initiated from surfaces quantify key features evolution. They achieved by modeling entire three-dimensional (3D) evolution, integrating surface, slab above mass movement re-deposition transported sediments, using novel numerical method. The characteristics within favored layer patterns in overlying have thoroughly discussed. transition diverse first observed discussed with 3D geometry effects, revealing complex cascading mechanisms. criterion for unstable planar critical condition proposed. findings facilitate scientific understanding evolution historic events help safeguarding developments against recurrence.