From rock mass creep to deep-seated landslides: numerical modeling of large-scale slope failure in the Veľká Fatra Mts., Western Carpathians
Toločka A.
December 2025Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
2025#84Issue 12
Active structural inheritance and karstified carbonate massifs create conditions prone to long-term gravitational deformation that can culminate in deep-seated landslides. Yet detailed studies that jointly exploit high-resolution topography, structural mapping, and numerical kinematics in thrust-faulted carbonate klippen are scarce. We present an integrated case study of Haliny Mt., Veľká Fatra Mts. (Western Carpathians), combining high-resolution LiDAR data, systematic field mapping and structural measurements, and finite-element numerical modeling using a generalized Hoek-Brown criterion. Geomorphic mapping and kinematic interpretation reveal a segmented deep-seated gravitational slope deformation system controlled by a thrust fault that places competent dolomites and limestones above weaker sediments, together with several persistent steep joint sets. Numerical simulations reproduce asymmetric displacement fields, subcircular basal shear zones, rotational failure components, and stress concentrations that propagate beneath the adjacent Hrabovský valley, consistent with a blocking effect from the eastern massif. Parametric sensitivity analyses show that discontinuity geometry (orientation, spacing and the presence of subvertical joints) dominates control of failure geometry and displacement patterns relative to bulk rock strength, and yield near-critical strength reduction factors that indicate susceptibility to reactivation. Field evidence of multi-stage block detachments, karst cavities and both fresh and weathered scarps supports an episodic evolution from prolonged rock mass creep to discrete deep-seated landslide detachments. We present a three-stage conceptual model for this evolution and conclude that combining targeted structural mapping with geomechanical modeling improves interpretation of deep-seated slope failure kinematics and aids hazard assessment in tectonically complex carbonate massifs.
Deep-seated gravitational slope deformation , Deep-seated landslide , Finite element modeling , Veľká Fatra , Western Carpathians
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Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, Ostrava, 710 00, Czech Republic
School of Mining and Geosciences, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology
School of Mining and Geosciences
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