Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations

This article provides an overview of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD). These large-scale mass movements are widespread in mountain belts in different geological and morpho-climatic settings, affect entire high-relief slopes and evolve over thousands of years under the effects of changing controls and triggers. Besides their spectacular geomorphological features, they pose significant risk to life and infrastructures, related to continuing slow movements and potential evolution towards catastrophic collapse. We review the definition, diagnostic features, activity, and mechanisms of DSGSD in the wider framework of progressive rock slope failure.