Understanding the Geomorphology of Deep-Seated Landslides: Insights from the Váh River Valley, Western Carpathians, Slovakia

This study examines the geomorphology of deep-seated landslides (DSLs) in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia, focusing on five key DSL areas along the Váh River Valley within the northern Veľká Fatra Mountains. Through an integrated approach combining fieldwork, GIS analysis, and Red Relief Image Map (RRIM) visualization, the research identifies and analyzes geomorphic features such as deep-seated landslide blocks, earthflows, and gravitational scarps. GIS methods reveal the spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of these mass movements, while RRIM emphasizes key gravitational features such as scarps, trenches, and cliffs. The study further differentiates between types of mass movement, ranging from slow, continuous deformation to catastrophic slope failures. Results emphasize the crucial role of geological and tectonic conditions in influencing landslide initiation, propagation, and evolution. The findings explain the complex interplay between geological structures and geomorphic processes that shape the Western Carpathian landscape. This work contributes to advancing the understanding of DSL dynamics and offers essential insights for regional land-use planning and hazard mitigation. It provides a foundation for applying similar methodologies to comparable geomorphic phenomena globally, addressing both scientific and practical challenges in landslide-prone regions.