Landslide research reports
Community Reports
South East Queensland
Although not as high profile in Australia as many other hazards such as cyclones, storm surge, floods and earthquakes, more loss of life and injury, along with economic losses, can be attributed to landslides than is generally recognised. Landslide risk is a localised phenomenon. Within the Gold Coast hinterland region the risk posed from landslides is significant. This report explains that there could be a total of four fatalities and up to two dwellings destroyed on slopes greater than 25 degrees, but asserts that in other areas of the Gold Coast, the landslide risk is low.
Cairns
One definite and two probable large debris flow events are known to have occurred in the Cairns region since European settlement. On 12 January 1951, a torrential deluge of about 700 millimetres of rain in just under five hours triggered debris flows which affected 10 kilometres of the Captain Cook Highway between Buchan and Simpson's Points (Ellis Beach).
Coastal Erosion Hazards - Perth, Western Australia
The south-west coast of Western Australia is made up of a series of exposed limestone headlands which are prone to the development of cliff lines and large overhangs. Coastal processes such as wind and water erosion in conjunction with salt crystallisation and carbonate dissolution, make these cliffs highly susceptible to collapse. The damaging impact that these unstable cliffs can have on the community was demonstrated on 27 September 1996, when four adults and five children were killed in a rockfall at Huzzas Beach, Gracetown.
- Title page, table of contents and list of figures [PDF 56kB]
- Chapter 1 - Introduction [PDF 15kB]
- Chapter 2 - Geology of the coast [PDF 2.6MB]
- Chapter 3 - Review of coastal hazards [PDF 396kB]
- Chapter 4 - Minimising coastal hazards [PDF 303kB]
- References and appendix [PDF 2.1MB]
Karst Hazards - Wanneroo, Western Australia
Within the Perth region, a karst belt lies five kilometres inland from the coast and stretches for approximately 24 kilometres in a north west to south east direction. This area is made up of one main geological unit, the Tamala Limestone which is surrounded by residual sands formed from the erosion of the limestone.
- Title page, executive summary, acknowledgements, table of contents and list of figures [PDF 115kB]
- Chapter 1 - Introduction [PDF 528kB]
- Chapter 2 - Geological setting [PDF 4.4MB]
- Chapter 3 - Review of Karst Hazards in Wanneroo
- Chapter 4 - Minimising karst hazards in Wanneroo [PDF 171kB]
- References, appendix 1 and glossary [PDF 149kB]
Geoscience Australia Reports and Brochures
- Wollongong Landslides [PDF 1.7MB]
- Landslide Awareness Brochure [PDF 957kb]
- Shore Safety Brochure [PDF 900kB]
- Karst Hazard Brochure [PDF 1.1MB]
AusGeo News
Landslide Database Interoperability Project
A new and easy way to access landslide information is being developed at Geoscience Australia as a demonstrator project. The project will showcase a method for bringing diverse technical databases together as a one-stop landslide resource for a variety of users and decision makers. It demonstrates how three landslide inventory databases which are maintained independently by various organisations at different scales across the three tiers of government can be integrated into one virtual database through an interface. This process, known as interoperability, provides an ideal method to build a nationally consistent system of data collection to ensure there is a sound knowledge base for the research and analysis of landslides.
The new database will be on line in August 07 for initial testing and will be refined throughout 2007/08.
The Australian Landslide Data Model
The development of an Australian landslide data model is being coordinated by Geoscience Australia as part of its landslide database interoperability demonstrator project. Social Change Online, CSIRO, Mineral Resources Tasmania, the University of Wollongong, members of the Australian Geomechanics Society, private consultants and geotechnical professionals are contributing to this model through the development of a collaborative landslide inventory framework. Consultations are underway and it is anticipated they will continue throughout 2007.
- For further information on The Australian Landslide Data Model click here
- To access the Australian Landslide Data Model click here
Guidelines for landslide risk management
The Australian Geomechanics Society has published a series of national benchmark guidelines on landslide risk management in order to better understand, manage and reduce landslide hazard to people and property.
The guidelines provide:
- Information to the public;
- advice for the Australian, State and Territory governments and local government; and
- guidance on good practice for geotechnical practitioners who undertake risk assessments.
The guidelines are available for download from the Australian Geomechanics Society website which can be accessed here.
Geoscience Australia Library Catalogue
The Geoscience Australia Library is the premier geoscience library in Australia. Established in 1946, the library has an extensive collection of earth sciences material and is open to the public. Read more>>
- Search the Library for Landslide titled books and reports
- Search the Library for Coastal Erosion titled books and reports
- Search the Library for Karst titled books and reports
- Catalogue Search
- Library Services and Access
- Library Contact Information
External Research Links - Karst
- Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust
- Mole Creek Karst National Park
- Department of Primary Industries and Water – Tasmania
- The wilderness society – The Nullabor Plain – world’s largest limestone karst landscape