Heavy rainfall triggers landslides in loose slopes, endangering communities worldwide.
The study looked at how thick accumulation landslides can slide during heavy rainfall. By using a computer model, the researchers found that loose soil, weak ground strength, and steep slopes make landslides more likely. When it rains heavily, the soil near the bottom of the slope starts to move first, causing cracks to form. Water seeps into the soil, making it weaker. The water also creates a force that pushes the front of the slope downhill, causing the landslide to start. During heavy rain, the landslide becomes less stable quickly, making it more likely to happen.