Variation of iron species on landslide profiles-a potential indicator for landslide development

Abstract

Mossbauer spectroscopy revealed that the composition of Fe species in the sliding mud is different from those in the debris rock and bedrock. The sliding mud contains more ferrous iron species, which indicates a relatively stronger reducing condition within the slip zone than within the host rocks. In addition, the composition of Fe species and the total Fe as well as the volume of sliding mud also change with landslide development. Therefore, detailed Fe speciation in sliding profiles can be a potential indicator to understand landslide progressing and probably to predict sliding as well.