A new approach to triggering mechanism of volcano landslides based on zeta potential and surface free energy balance

The layers of Almagre (iron-rich deposits) from Tenerife Island are the result of thermal metamorphism of soils in contact with lava flow (1073-1273 K). These layers of small thickness relative to the basaltic wash, are interesting for geotechnical study, because the stability of the deposits is determined by the weakest element, in this case Almagre, which acts as a sliding plane. The flow of maritime air over the hillsides of the volcanic islands increases the content of cations in ashes deposits. This modifies the superficial properties of material that composes the substratum. This modification affects the retention of water and the cohesion of material making up the deposit. The results show that the presence of sodium and magnesium increased the hydrophobicity of the material, which had a weak water retention capacity and strong cohesion at basic pH. When there is iron in solution, repulsion between the particles is greater than one obtained with other studied electrolytes. Hence, the deposit is less stable, and Almagre under saturated water conditions constitutes an ideal layer for landslides.