Digging Deeper: Mineralogical Anatomy of the 2019 Cotton Brook Landslide
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
In 2019, the largest landslide in Vermont’s recent history occurred as a result of heavy rainfall in Cotton Brook. Still active, this event provides us with an opportunity to understand landslide initiation mechanisms in the area. By examining its mineralogical anatomy, we propose that unique stratigraphic and compositional settings, such as dipping structures and clay-rich layers are factors in the development of the Cotton Brook landslide. This event suggests that the former shores of Glacial Lake Winooski provide distinct slipping surfaces prone to landslides. Combined with advanced remote sensing, this microscale approach is integral to the development of predictive landslide models.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Nico Perdrial
Graduate Student Mentors
Emma Myrick
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Geology
Primary Research Category
Physical Science
Digging Deeper: Mineralogical Anatomy of the 2019 Cotton Brook Landslide
In 2019, the largest landslide in Vermont’s recent history occurred as a result of heavy rainfall in Cotton Brook. Still active, this event provides us with an opportunity to understand landslide initiation mechanisms in the area. By examining its mineralogical anatomy, we propose that unique stratigraphic and compositional settings, such as dipping structures and clay-rich layers are factors in the development of the Cotton Brook landslide. This event suggests that the former shores of Glacial Lake Winooski provide distinct slipping surfaces prone to landslides. Combined with advanced remote sensing, this microscale approach is integral to the development of predictive landslide models.