Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Preliminary Age Classification Of Landslides For Inventory Mapping, James P. Mccalpin

James P. McCalpin

A preliminary age classification for landslides is proposed for inventory mapping, based on morphologic criteria visible on aerial photographs. Because landslide scars and deposits are generally disequilibrium landforms, they progress through observable morphologic stages as they age. Four age classes are distinguished: 1) active; 2) inactive-young; 3) inactive-mature; 4) inactive-old. Each age class reflects the age of latest movement only. The morphologic "freshness" of each part of the landslide must be evaluated, including: the head scarp, lateral scarps, marginal drainage, internal scarps and blocks, internal drainage pattern, vegetation type and density, and toe morphology. Morphologic parameters defined from air photos …