Landslides and climate change in the United Kingdoms

The maritime climate and relatively low relief of the United Kingdom (UK) limit opportunities for large scale and destructive landslides to occur. Different types of bedrock lithologies, a variety of superficial deposits and both long-term and exposures to different climate conditions have resulted in a patchwork of different types of landslides. The Mark Nab landslide lies within the North York Moors National Park. The landslide has developed in Jurassic strata and forms a striking landscape with high ridges of back rotated blocks that extend down the valley side. Towards the base of the landslide, the dominant style of movement is preserved in flows of less competent material. Large, relict landslides form a large proportion of the landslides recorded in British Geological Survey National Landslide Database. The residual stability of the majority of relict landslides in the UK is largely unknown and although they are generally considered dormant or inactive, there is the potential for them to reactivate and cause damage.