Geomorphic and sedimentary characteristics of ancient Dora Kamiyama rockslide in Tibet Plateau - implications of dynamic process and frictional heating

Abstract

The mechanisms of high-speed and long-runout landslides are mainly reflected in the geomorphological morphology and internal sedimentology of the deposits. The geomorphic and sedimentary characteristics of ancient Dora Kamiyama rockslide in Tibet Plateau was discussed based on field investigation and multidisciplinary tests. The landslide area is divided into three zones: the source area (I), the translation area (II), and the accumulation area (III). Geomorphic features include toreva block, the levee, the transverse ridge, the longitudinal ridge, the hummock and the ridge confined by troughs and the carapace composed of giant blocks were analysed,which are considered as indicators of the dynamic process of the landslide during transport. 3 stages of the rockslide dynamic motion were proposed, including extensional, compressional and radial motions, respectively. Sedimentary features of facies in the rockslide was revealed, including carapace facies, blocky facies, fragmented facies, shear zones, and basal mixed zones, the mineral change process of the rockslide during the movement process and the temperature change of the sliding surface can be obtained based on analyzing the minerals change near the shear zone. The temperature field of the landslide and its movement process can be reconstructed through the temperature change of the shear zone. The results show that frictional heating was generated during complex dynamics interactions. The friction temperature generated by sliding near the fragmented facies was about 870–1470 °C. Based on sedimentary evidence, the dynamic evolution of the rockslide in response to temperature changes were reconstructed based on frictional thermal analysis.