The researchers studied a large landslide in the Yangtze River to understand how changes in reservoir water levels affect its stability. They found that the landslide's deformation is mainly caused by the reservoir's water level dropping, with rainfall playing a smaller role. By analyzing surface data and geological surveys, they identified that the deformation of the landslide has been increasing since 2003 in a step-like manner. This study helps us understand how human activities, like reservoir operations, can impact natural processes like landslides.