BGS-led paper scoops prestigious award

Landslides are an ongoing global threat that can lead to significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The paper, ‘High-resolution geophysical monitoring of moisture accumulation preceding slope movement – a path to improved early warning’, describes a new geophysical method that enables a way of observing the subsurface to look for signs of underlying slope failure. Signs include moisture, suction and shear strength, which, when monitored, can provide earlier warning of hazard. The paper, led by BGS Honorary Research Associate (HRA) Arnaud Watlet with 16 co-authors — 10 of which are from BGS — has been awarded the 2024 British Geotechnical Association (BGA) medal for ‘meritorious contributions to geotechnical science or practice’.

An example of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data collected from the Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory, which generates 4D resistivity models, providing insights into subsurface structures. BGS © UKRI.

The research was undertaken at BGS’s Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory in Yorkshire. The slope at Hollin Hill features slow-moving, clay-rich land, common to much lowland landslide activity across the world. Change was monitored at the observatory over a two-year period, focusing on the wettest parts of each season. Researchers used electrical resistivity tomography and low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing to investigate the integrity of unstable slopes at various scales. Combining resistivity and fibre optics to observe changes in ground composition allowed for better monitoring and evaluation of natural and engineered slopes.

Landslides triggered by rainfall can significantly affect communities and infrastructure. Predicting exactly where and when they’ll occur is challenging, as local factors like geology, slope orientation and ground moisture all play a role. Most landslide early warning systems mainly track slope movement or rainfall intensity but, by monitoring ground moisture, we can extend the warning period at particularly vulnerable locations.

Arnaud Watlet, BGS HRA and lead author of the paper.

We are delighted to receive the BGA award, which recognises the incredible work and strong dedication of our team to landslide prevention.

Jim Whitely, BGS HRA and co-author of the paper.