Book chapter
Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Puerto Rico: An Overview
Slopes and Retaining Structures Under Seismic and Static Conditions, pp 1-15
2005
Abstract
Rainfall-induced landslides are common in Puerto Rico (PR). The presence of steep slopes in mountainous terrain, coupled with weathered soils and intense rainfall, leads to severe slope-stability problems throughout the island. Episodic triggering events such as hurricanes and earthquakes further exacerbate these problems. All physiographic provinces of the island have experienced landslides. The stability of natural and man-made slopes is a serious concern for government authorities and the civil engineering community in Puerto Rico. This paper presents an overview of the rainfall induced landslide problem in PR, a summary of literature published on this subject, and proposes a rainfall intensity landslide threshold based on landslide events data from 1959 to 2003. This threshold can be used as part of a potential landslide warning system.
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Details
- Title
- Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Puerto Rico: An Overview
- Creators
- M. E Ruiz - University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezM. C Larsen - United States Geological SurveyM. A Pando - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
- Publication Details
- Slopes and Retaining Structures Under Seismic and Static Conditions, pp 1-15
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Other Identifier
- 991020575587704721