Geomorphological, pedological and dendrochronological signatures of a relict landslide terrain, Mt Garbatka (Kamienne Mts), SW Poland

•Relict landslide is characterized in terms of geomorphology, soils, and activity.•A complex approach helps to establish pre-Holocene age and evaluate hazards.•Two separate phases of activity are suggested.•Tree ring record indicates ongoing ground instability probably related to piping.

In the Kamienne Mountains the largest concentration of apparently relict landslides in the Sudetes range occurs. On the northern slopes of Mt Garbatka mass movements re-shaped two adjacent slope hollows and a wide depositional area is located down the valley. The main landslide body is nearly 1 km long and 200-300 m wide. Its flattened surface morphology and the occurrence of large dispersed allochtonous boulders in the distal part suggests a flow-like movement, initiated by shallow translational slides in the upper slopes. The thickness of colluvium, determined by an ERT survey, may reach 10 m. Geomorphic signatures of mass movement are subdued, suggesting that considerable time has elapsed since the origin of the landslide and that large-scale mass movements are likely pre-Holocene in age. This is consistent with the results of an extensive soil survey within the landslide body and on the surrounding slopes. Similarity of soil properties and well-developed horizonation of profiles both within the landslide and outside it shows that no major disturbance has taken place during the soil formation period. Dendrogeomorphological research, in turn, yielded evidence of numerous growth disturbances recorded in tree rings of Norway spruce growing on the landslide body. These signals are interpreted that the slope surface is not entirely stable under current environmental conditions. Flow or creep of landslide material is not very likely, given the characteristics of cover materials, and it is hypothesized that dendrochronological signals develop in response to ground deformation through piping and throughflow. Landslide hazard in the valley below Mt Garbatka appears low at present but to claim complete stability would be premature.