---
title: "Landslide versus slope failure"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:landslide-versus-slope-failure"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/landslide-versus-slope-failure
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Landslide versus slope failure

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 6: Physical Geology

- Asked in: 2064 Jestha (old course), 3 marks
- Video: [Mass Wasting vs. Landslide: The Interesting Differences You Must Know](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ScbJpUiIk) — Geotourism and Modern Geotechniques
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/landslide-versus-slope-failure
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-6

## Question

Differentiate between landslide and 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.

## Answer

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 |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. How are landslide and slope failure related?
   A. Slope failure is one type of landslide
   B. They are exactly the same
   C. Landslide is one type of slope failure; slope failure is the general term including all types
   D. Landslide covers falls and flows, slope failure only sliding
   Answer: C. Slope failure includes falls, topples, slides, flows and spreads. (Key point: Scope)

2. Movement in a landslide occurs:
   A. Only by falling through air
   B. As a fluid with no surface
   C. Only very slowly with no visible sign
   D. Along a defined slip surface
   Answer: D. Slope failure may be any mode, but a landslide slides on a distinct surface. (Key point: Movement)

3. A slope fails when:
   A. Shear stress exceeds shear strength
   B. Shear strength exceeds shear stress
   C. The slope is perfectly dry
   D. The slope angle is zero
   Answer: A. This is the basic condition for any slope failure. (Key point: Failure condition)

4. Which is true about scale?
   A. Slope failure is always sudden and large
   B. Landslides are usually visible and large; slope failure may be small to large, even gradual
   C. Landslides are always gradual and small
   D. Both are always microscopic
   Answer: B. Slope failure is the broader term and can be gradual. (Key point: Scale)

## Related in Engineering Geology I

- [Landslide versus debris flow](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Alandslide-versus-debris-flow) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 6
- [Preventive measures for landslide and rock slope](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Apreventive-measures-for-landslide-and) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 6, asked 4×
- [Plane failure versus wedge failure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aplane-failure-versus-wedge-failure) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 6

## Related in other subjects

- [Landslide versus debris flow](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fengineering_geology_ii%3Alandslide-vs-debris-flow) — Engineering Geology II, chapter 5, asked 2×
- [Causes of slope failure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsoil_mechanics%3Aslope-failure-causes) — Soil Mechanics, chapter 11, asked 4×
- [Slope failure types and prevention](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsoil_mechanics%3Aslope-failure-types-prevention) — Soil Mechanics, chapter 11, asked 2×
- [Remedial measures for slope failure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsoil_mechanics%3Aslope-remedial-measures) — Soil Mechanics, chapter 11