COMPUTER SIMULATION OF A LANDSLIDE
Simulation by Jose Vigil and David Howell
USGS Landslides Hazards Team

Animation file from USGS (2.2MB GIF File)

The simulation is a reconstruction of the Polhemus Road landslide in San Mateo County, California. This landslide and several others like it were caused by heavy rains in the area in January 1997. What it shows is the gradual movement of 250,000 tons of rock and soil over an eight-day period in this deep-seated landslide. Follow the formation of the scarp, near the jagged white line uphill where the surface buckles, despite the retaining wall (barely visible in the dark shaded areas), leaving behind exposed earth. Also notice how the road downhill buckles as the hill's toe slides.

Links to other simulations at USGS.