The Impact of Groundwater on the Landslide Occurrence in the Southern Slope of Shah Neshin Mountain

Landslides are a critical geohazard, often triggered by seismic activity, intense rainfall, and water table fluctuations. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is a key task in hazard assessment and mitigation strategies. This comprehensive study investigates the regional potential for water flow dynamics, displacement mechanisms, and landslide genesis. Based on a dual approach of rigorous fieldwork and meticulous laboratory analysis, approximately 5 kg of fine-grained clay and 100 kg of coarse-grained material were collected for in-depth mechanical property testing. These investigations focused primarily on assessing Atterberg limits and shear strength characteristics. The results showed a striking correlation between the water table and the site's structural integrity. In particular, the marl and alluvial layers exhibited a significant decrease in resistance, ranging from 40% to 55% and 60% to 80%, respectively, in different regions of the study area. In addition, the cohesion of the layers decreased with increasing slope steepness, resulting in a reduction in internal friction angles. This empirical evidence highlights the region's susceptibility to increased landslide risk, particularly in precipitation-induced surface water infiltration and potential seismic upheaval, such as the powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Sarpol Zahab in 2017. These combined factors highlight the imminent threat of landslides and call for proactive risk management and disaster preparedness measures.