Numerical modeling of landquakes

The Thurwieser landslide that occurred in Italy in 2004 and the seismic waves it generated have been simulated and compared to the seismic signal recorded a few tens of kilometers from the landslide source (i.e., landquake). The main features of the low frequency seismic signal are reproduced by the simulation. Topography effects on the flowing mass have a major impact on the generated seismic signal whereas they weakly affect low-frequency wave propagation. Simulation of the seismic signal makes it possible to discriminate between possible alternative scenarios for flow dynamics and to provide first estimates of the rheological parameters during the flow. As landquakes are continuously recorded by seismic networks, our results provide a new way to collect data on the dynamics and rheology of natural flows. © 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.