Landslides in steep terrain

Slopes with angles greater than 25-30 degrees can be prone to different types of landslides. NGU's researchers study and monitor rock falls, debris-slides and debris- flood processes in steep terrain.
Bilde: From a debris slide at Årset in Ørsta. The slide came on november 15th 2013, after heavy rain.
From a debris slide at Årset in Ørsta. The slide came on november 15th 2013, after heavy rain.

Nature in Norway can be both beautiful and, at times, dangerous.  Norwegians appreciate the steep mountains and deep valleys, but the spectacular terrain can threaten the safety of inhabitants and passersby.  

Every year in Norway, more people lose their lives in landslide accidents. Most of these accidents take place during recreational activities, but they can also occur on roads and housing settlements built near landslide-prone areas.  In order to reduce accidents and prevent people from building in landslide-prone terrain, it is important to understand the landslide processes. Where might a landslide occur? What triggers landslides? And how far into a valley could landslide material reach?  

Jordskred på Vatne i Ørsta kommune
Gro Sandøy (NGU) doing research after a debris slide in Vatne i Ørsta in 2013.

NGU is doing research and development to improve the understanding of landslide processes. NGU also conducts geological mapping with the aim of compiling a comprehensive list of historical landslides and landslide prone areas.  Read more about the various landslides processes and the national landslide susceptibility map, which contributes to protecting people and property against the threat of landslides.