Development of a rapid active layer detachment slide in the Fenghuoshan Mountains, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Abstract

An active layer detachment slide (ALDS) in the interior portion of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) was investigated within 2 days of its formation on September 21, 2018. The ALDS developed on a relatively gentle slope (4.8 to 9 ) at an elevation of 4,850 m above sea level (asl) and was about 145 m long and 45 m wide, with a headscarp 2.2-2.5 m high. Analyses of meteorological data and soil temperatures indicated that it was probably triggered by a record thaw depth which intersected a layer with high ice content at the base of the active layer and in the top of the permafrost. Based on the time window, the minimum downslope velocity of the main slide mass was about 20 m/h which is higher than previously reported values. The ALDS ran into the embankment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (QTR) but did not damage the railbed. However, extensive rehabilitation of the slope was needed subsequent to the failure to clear the slide mass and as minor headscarp recession and thaw settlement continued on the slope. In this work, we describe this feature and the most likely mechanisms of development.

The sensitivity and evolutionary trajectory of the mountain cryosphere: Implications for mountain geomorphic systems and hazards

“…Several studies have specifically examined the relationships between permafrost properties and mass movement activity, identifying how spatial and temporal patterns of permafrost degradation are genetically linked to mass flow development (Gruber et al, 2017;Haeberli et al, 2017;Jiang et al, 2022;Sattler et al, 2011;Zhang et al, 2022).…”

“…However, individual mass flows have their trigger zones elevationally above the lowest limit of permafrost, suggesting a relationship to active layer depth (Sattler et al, 2011), and local feedbacks may also exist where headscarps can expose greater depths of permafrost to thaw (Jiang et al, 2022;Marcer et al, 2020). Other studies also highlight the role of precipitation regime in both subsurface water availability and its association with warmer conditions (Seppi et al, 2019;Yu et al, 2021).…”

“…For these reasons, lower elevation and warmer/thinner permafrost is the most sensitive to climate forcing, and it is in this region where mass movements are most likely to be generated (Scherler et al, 2013). Several studies have specifically examined the relationships between permafrost properties and mass movement activity, identifying how spatial and temporal patterns of permafrost degradation are genetically linked to mass flow development (Gruber et al, 2017; Haeberli et al, 2017; Jiang et al, 2022; Sattler et al, 2011; Zhang et al, 2022). However, individual mass flows have their trigger zones elevationally above the lowest limit of permafrost, suggesting a relationship to active layer depth (Sattler et al, 2011), and local feedbacks may also exist where headscarps can expose greater depths of permafrost to thaw (Jiang et al, 2022; Marcer et al, 2020).…”

“…Several studies have specifically examined the relationships between permafrost properties and mass movement activity, identifying how spatial and temporal patterns of permafrost degradation are genetically linked to mass flow development (Gruber et al, 2017; Haeberli et al, 2017; Jiang et al, 2022; Sattler et al, 2011; Zhang et al, 2022). However, individual mass flows have their trigger zones elevationally above the lowest limit of permafrost, suggesting a relationship to active layer depth (Sattler et al, 2011), and local feedbacks may also exist where headscarps can expose greater depths of permafrost to thaw (Jiang et al, 2022; Marcer et al, 2020). Other studies also highlight the role of precipitation regime in both subsurface water availability and its association with warmer conditions (Seppi et al, 2019; Yu et al, 2021).…”

Creep features and mechanism of active-layer detachment slide on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by InSAR

“…QTP is one of the most climatic sensitive places in the global and the regional climate features with the amplification of global warming (Wu et al, 2013;Ran et al, 2018;Song et al, 2014;Sun et al, 2015). Recently, rising air temperatures and precipitation on the QTP have led to an increase in slope failures which may endanger buildings and engineering structures such as the Qinghai-Tibet railway, Qinghai-Tibet highway and other projects, significantly endangering the lives and property lives and property (Niu et al, 2016;Luo et al, 2019;Li et al, 2019;Guo et al, 2021;Jiang et al, 2022).…”