An extrapolation technique for subsurface geomorphology in active natural slopes using limited borehole deformation data

This technical note presents a new technique for addressing limited displacement monitoring data for active landslides. Subsurface geomorphology, where data are available, is characterized via a numerical integration tool into a dynamic geometric parameter, and extrapolated using regression analysis. Error analysis shows that the numerical integration can be implemented successfully using only a relatively few number of integration points. When applied to a real, large-scale landslide example from the literature, the technique is able to simulate ground-truth conditions reasonably with an error of approximately 1.4%. The implications of this technical note are that it is possible to overcome limitations in landslide studies at sites with scarce data using available surface displacements and calculated subsurface geometries.

► Technical note demonstrates data extrapolation in landslide monitoring. ► Subsurface characterization applied via a numerical integration tool. ► Error analysis demonstrates only relatively few integration points required. ► Volumetric flow rates computed numerically using only relatively few points. ► Possible to overcome data limitations in slope stability problems.