The Varnes classification of landslide types, an update
Citation
Hungr, O., Leroueil, S., Picarelli, L. (2014). The Varnes classification of landslide types, an update. Landslides, 11: 167–194. Link to paper
Abstract
The goal of this article is to revise several aspects of the well-known classification of landslides developed by Varnes (1978). The primary recommendation is to modify the definition of landslide-forming materials to ensure compatibility with accepted geotechnical and geological terminology for rocks and soils. Other, less significant modifications to the classification system are proposed, based on recent developments in landslide science. The modified Varnes classification includes 32 types of landslides, each supported by a formal definition. These definitions are designed to maintain backward compatibility of the system and facilitate translation into other languages. Complex landslides are not treated as a separate category; however, users may construct composite types by combining two or more type names when appropriate.