Transient changes of landslide rates after earthquakes

摘要: Earthquakes impart an impressive force on epicentral landscapes, with immediate catastrophic hillslope response. However, their legacy geomorphic process rates remains poorly constrained. We have determined the evolution of landslide in areas four intermediate to large earthquakes (M w , 6.6–7.6). In each area, landsliding correlates cumulative precipitation during a given interval. Normalizing for this meteorological forcing, been found peak after earthquake and decay background values 1–4 yr, time scale probably proportional magnitude. The transient pulse is not related external forcing such as rainfall or aftershocks, we tentatively attribute it reduction subsequent recovery ground strength. Observed trends are linked groundwater level changes root system damage, both which could affect substrate propose that they caused by reversible damage rock mass and/or loosening regolith. Qualitative accounts cracking due strong motion abound, our observations circumstantial evidence its potential importance setting landscape sensitivity earthquakes.