Story: Landslides

Landslide types

Landslides can be divided into different types depending largely on the manner (and speed) in which material moves down a slope (slide, fall, slip, topple, flow, creep or avalanche). Such classifications are useful, although some landslides represent different combinations. Rock falls, topples and debris avalanches are more common in mountainous harder rock country. Earth flows and creeps are more common in hill country, especially in soft sedimentary rock.

Using this item

United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Artwork by Margo Johnson

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Michael J. Crozier, 'Landslides - Gravity always wins', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/8782/landslide-types (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Michael J. Crozier, published 12 Jun 2006