An Overview of Triggering and Causing Factors of Landslides

Landslides are complex natural phenomena that result from the interaction of various triggering and causing factors. Triggering factors are external stimuli that initiate landslides. These include rainfall, snowmelt, temperature variations, seismic activity, and human activities. Causing factors are internal conditions that determine the stability of the slope, such as pore water pressure, shear strength, and load. This book chapter provides an overview of these factors, discussing their effects on landslide occurrence and susceptibility. It also discusses the methods for identifying and assessing these factors using remote sensing, geotechnical, hydrological, and statistical techniques. The main objectives of this chapter are to: (1) introduce the basic concepts and definitions of landslides and their triggering and causing factors; (2) review the literature on the climatic, geological, and human factors that trigger landslides and their mechanisms; (3) explain the causing factors that lead to landslides and their physical and mathematical models; (4) present the methods for identifying and evaluating the triggering and causing factors using various data sources and analytical tools; and (5) conclude with a summary of the main findings and implications for landslide research and management. Promoting safer and more sustainable practices in areas prone to landslides, this chapter aims to foster a deeper understanding of these natural disasters. It serves as a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for researchers, students, practitioners, and policymakers interested in landslide studies and mitigation.