Numerical modeling of collapsed deep-seated gravitational slope deformations: Insights from the Veľká Fatra Mts., Western Carpathians
Toločka A. Kapustová V. Mortazavi A. Břežný M.
2025The Earth Science Institute of SAS
Geologica Carpathica
2025#76Issue 13 - 22 pp.
Although deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) are common, they are not highly investigated phenomena worldwide. In the Carpathian mountain range, they played an important role during the Quaternary evolution of typical core mountain ridges formed by a crystalline basement and surrounded by Mesozoic deposits. There is evidence that the majority of the largest catastrophic rock slope failures (collapses) in the Carpathians appeared precisely in areas affected by DSGSDs. Two DSGSD-affected slopes in the northeast part of the Veľká Fatra Mts. (Western Carpathians, Slovakia) have recently been subjected to a detailed investigation involving geomorphic mapping, remote sensing analysis, structural data collection, and numerical modeling. To improve our understanding of these gravity-induced processes, we performed a back-analysis of collapsed DSGSDs through a continuum-based, finite-element model composed using the RS2 code. Results show that these DSGSDs are strongly predisposed by regional geological structures given by the intersection of bedding planes, joint sets, and thrust faults. The numerical modeling approach and performed back-analysis have enabled a better view of the development of these deep-seated slope failures in the Veľká Fatra Mts. It suggests a high diversity of mechanisms leading to the origin of these DSGSD cases. The main causal factors influencing their development have been bedrock structure, the lithological composition (dolomite and limestone), thrust faults, and deep weathering of the rock mass. Both cases have deep basal shear zones, as well as a small number of series of gravitational faults associated with complex joint sets.
back-analysis , Carpathian Mountain range , DSGSD , numerical modeling , Veľká Fatra Mts
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University of Ostrava, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Dvořákova 7, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Nazarbayev University, School of Mining and Geosciences, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, Astana, Kazakhstan
University of Ostrava
Nazarbayev University
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