Relationship between the surface and internal deformation features of toppling in anti-dip rock slopes

Multiple researchers have effectively utilized InSAR for early identification research in southwest China. However, the intricate geological structure in this region includes deeply buried and unpredictable anti-dip stratiform rock slopes, posing an additional challenge for InSAR remote sensing. This study establishes a coupling relationship between slope topple deformation patterns and surface macro-deformation characteristics through a centrifuge model test, analyzing slope bending and topple deformation stages. The InSAR interpretation of prototype slopes is employed to retrospectively infer the slope stage and visualize the slope deformation process. This research provides technical assistance for identifying and preventing slope failures. The result demonstrates that: (1) The failure process of anti-dip stratiform rocky slope involves four major stages. Failures often begin at the slope’s base and move to the middle and top regions, eventually resulting in entire slope failure when the stepped fracture surface forms. (2) Experimental image recognition analysis was conducted to monitor the rate changes in the deep and surface layers, establishing a corresponding coupling relationship between them. Observations reveal that significant deformation areas exhibit a bottom-to-top development pattern. (3) A comparison of the InSAR interpretation results for the Zhayong deformation with the test conclusions reveals that the landslide was in the progressive deformation stage. In summary, this study provides valuable technical support for utilizing InSAR technology to identify and prevent slope failures in complex geological conditions.