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Rainfall thresholding and susceptibility assessment of rainfall-induced landslides: application to landslide management in St Thomas, Jamaica

Seuil de précipitations et estimation de la prédisposition aux glissements de terrain induits par les précipitations: Application à la gestion des glissements de terrain à StThomas en Jamaïque

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Abstract

The parish of St Thomas has one of the highest densities of landslides in Jamaica, which impacts the residents, local economy and the built and natural environment. These landslides result from a combination of steep slopes, faulting, heavy rainfall and the presence of highly weathered volcanics, sandstones, limestones and sandstone/shale series and are particularly prevalent during the hurricane season (June–November). The paper reports a study of the rainfall thresholds and landslide susceptibility assessment to assist the prediction, mitigation and management of slope instability in landslide-prone areas of the parish.

Résumé

La commune de St Thomas possède une des plus grandes densités de glissements de terrain en Jamaïque, ce qui affecte les habitants, l’économie locale ainsi que l’environnement bâti et naturel. Ces glissements de terrain résultent de la combinaison de pentes raides, de faille, de fortes précipitations et de la présence de pierres volcaniques, de grès, de calcaires et de séries de grès et schistes argileux, tous très érodés par les intempéries et qui sont particulièrement présentes durant la saison des cyclones (Juin à Novembre). L’article est une étude des seuils de précipitations et une évaluation de la prédisposition aux glissements de terrain afin d’aider à la prévision, à l’atténuation et à la gestion de l’instabilité des pentes dans les secteurs enclins au glissement de terrain dans la commune.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Development Studies, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 3JD, UK

    Servel Miller

  2. Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK

    Tim Brewer

  3. Department of Mines and Geology, Kingston, Jamaica

    Norman Harris

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  1. Servel Miller
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  2. Tim Brewer
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  3. Norman Harris
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Correspondence to Servel Miller.

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Miller, S., Brewer, T. & Harris, N. Rainfall thresholding and susceptibility assessment of rainfall-induced landslides: application to landslide management in St Thomas, Jamaica. Bull Eng Geol Environ 68, 539–550 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0232-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0232-z

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