- 2064 Jestha (old course) · 3 marks
Landslide versus slope failure
Short answer
A landslide is a specific type of slope failure involving sliding along a defined slip surface. Slope failure is the general term for all downslope movements—including falls, topples, flows and spreads—whenever shear stress exceeds shear strength.
Differentiate between landslide and slope failure.
A landslide is the sudden downslope movement of a mass of rock, soil or debris along a distinct slip surface. Slope failure is a broad term for any failure of a natural or artificial slope, including falls, topples, slides, flows and spreads, whenever the shear stress exceeds the shear strength.
| Point | Landslide | Slope failure |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | One type of slope failure (sliding) | General term; includes all types |
| Movement | Along a defined slip surface | Any mode: sliding, falling, flowing, toppling |
| Scale | Usually visible, large | Small to large, even gradual |
| Cause | Gravity, water, earthquake, cutting | Same, and strength loss or overstress |
| Example | Rotational or planar slide | Slope failure of an embankment, rock fall |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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