Landslides and debris flow

Debris flow outside Skibotn in Northern Norway in May 2010. ( Svein Eriksen)

Landslides and debris flow are usually triggered by instability in saturated soil on steep slopes and river courses. This often happens with heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination.

Erosion and mass transport play a significant role, especially in canalized terrain forms. Climate change is assumed to lead to more heavy rain, which will probably mean that landslides and floods occur more frequently and that the landslides and debris flow can become more extensive and severe.

This ultimately affects the consequences of such incidents in that the landslides become more harmful and may occur in areas where no landslides have occurred before. Landslides and floods can damage infrastructure, roads, buildings, and people due to large volumes of debris material, high speed, and long range.

NGI develops a methodology for mapping areas with a risk of landslides and floods. The maps are used to assess and design measures that reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage. We also conduct analyses of landslide outlets, the design of necessary mitigation, and the geotechnical design of protection measures up to the construction phase.

Services related to landslides, floods, and debris flows

danger zone and caution mapping
risk-and vulnerability analysis
design and engineering of mitigation measures
assessment of effects related to climate change and climate adaptation
transfer of knowledge to municipal authorities.
research and development of landslides and debris flow

Research and development

mapping, identification, and quantification of the degree of danger and consequence for areas that are potentially exposed to landslides
impact of climate change on landslides
development of methods for monitoring, warning, and protection against avalanche danger
calculation of outlet distance of landslides
research on the effect of precipitation on the triggering of landslides in natural slopes.