Giant rockslides from the inside

摘要: The growing body of research on large-scale mass wasting events so far has only scarcely investigated the sedimentology chaotic deposits from non-volcanic terrestrial landslides such that any overarching and systematic terminological framework remains elusive. Yet recent work emphasized need for better understanding internal structure composition rockslide as a means to characterise mechanics during final stages runout emplacement. We offer comprehensive overview occurrence rock fragmentation frictional melt both at different geographic locations, sections within large (>10(6) m(3)) masses. argue exposures pervasively fragmented interlocked jigsaw-cracked masses; basal melange containing rip-up clasts phantom blocks; micro-breccia; thin bands frictionite are indispensable clues identifying giant rockslides may remain morphologically inconspicuous otherwise. These sedimentary assemblages diagnostic tools distinguishing debris macro microscopically similar glacial deposits, tectonic fault-zone breccias, impact thus help avoid palaeoclimatic misinterpretations, let alone misestimates hazard rockslides. Moreover, experimental results Mossbauer spectroscopy samples support visual interpretations sections, demonstrate short-lived ( 1500 degrees C in absence water occurred base several moving This finding supports previous theories dry excess accompanied by comminution masses down gm-scale, indicates catastrophic motion fragmenting does not require potential lubricant.