Landslides

This volume is the second of the Series the Publisher decided to launch to cover different aspects related to Safety and Security Engineering. The volume is devoted to landslides; this geological phenomenon includes a wide range of ground movement, such as rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows. Although the action of gravity is the primary driving force for a landslide to occur, there are other contributing factors affecting the original slope stability. Typically, pre-conditional factors build up specific sub-surface conditions that make the area/slope prone to failure, whereas the actual landslide often requires a trigger before being released.The phenomenon is of great importance as it represents some of the most destructive forces on earth. Therefore it is imperative to have a good understanding as to what causes them and how people can either help prevent them from occurring or simply avoid them when they do occur. Early predictions and warnings are essential for the reduction of property damage and loss of life. Sustainable land management and development is an essential key to reducing the negative impacts felt by landslides.The mentioned topics are covered in the present volume, and in particular: Risk assessment; Early Warning; Modelling; Planning; Mitigation; Case studies.