Hydrological Controls on the Kinematic Behaviour of Two Slow-Moving Landslides

Abstract Slow-moving landslides are highly sensitive to hydrological variations, particularly under changing climatic conditions. Short-term rainfall events and long-term snowmelt infiltration can substantially influence their kinematic behaviour. This study investigates the hydro-kinematic response of two representative slow-moving landslides, Huangtupo (China) and Vögelsberg (Austria), using long-term in-situ monitoring data. Both landslides are characterised by deep-seated shear zones and display stepwise deformation patterns associated with hydrological triggers such as rainfall infiltration and snowmelt. Subsurface displacement and pore pressure monitoring reveal that rainfall and snowmelt infiltration through low-permeability layers promote transient increases in pore pressure and subsequent acceleration of surface movement. Furthermore, the empirical Voight model is applied to quantify the relationship between velocity and acceleration during acceleration phases. Comparative analysis with other slow-moving landslides highlights the potential instability of such hydrologically-driven creep movements.