Topples

by Angie Ramirez

A topple can be distinguished by the forward rotation of material from the slope about a point or axis. To understand it better, remember how books “topple” on a shelf.

Commonly, discontinuities play an essential role in this kind of movement where their interaction can determine if a topple can happen or not. There are also some cases where discontinuities are not the cause of the topples but the loss of lower support.

In general, its triggering mechanism is gravity due to the weight of the material (rock or soil). Also, a topple can happen by the activity of water or ice in the discontinuities, increase or occurrence of vibrations, excavations, stream erosion, etc.