Large gravitational rock slope deformation in Romsdalen valley (Western Norway)

Abstract

Large gravitational rock slope deformation affects Precambrian gneisses at four localities of the Romsdalen valley of Western Norway. At each locality, detailed studies have allowed to determine the mechanism of deformation and to assess the degree of susceptibility for failure. 1) Svarttinden is a 4.3 Mm³ translational rockslide. Its single basal detachment developed along a foliation-parallel cataclastic fault. Although a rockslide occurred along the same detachment and the deposits reached the edge of the plateau, no displacement of the current instability is detected. 2) At Flatmark distinct 2‑25 Mm³ blocks detached from the edge of the plateau by an opening along the steep foliation. The collapse of the blocks is explained by a complex mechanism of sliding and toppling. No displacement is actually detected on the instabilities. 3) At Børa blocks located at the edge of the plateau deformed by the same mechanism as at Flatmark. They have a maximum volume of 0.5 Mm³ and displacement rates of 0.2‑2 cm/year. The deformation at Børa has affected a large part of the plateau and the entire deformed volume would be of 50‑200 Mm³ but it is currently inactive. 4) A wedge failure at the edge of Mannen plateau is inferred to allow the 4-5 cm/year downward displacement of a 2‑3.5 Mm³ instability. The high susceptibility of failure led to a permanent monitoring of the site since 2009.