landslide due to mass sinking phenomenon: Sunil-Joshimath of U.P. Himalaya example

Mass sinking associated with soil creep and debris displacement is mainly responsible for landslide in Sunil area of Joshimath hill complex. Seepage plays the important role in soil subsidence. The area representing moderate to high relief denudational hills, shows rarely any insitu rock exposures. Gneissic boulders are embedded in loose sandy soil where due to presence of many springs excess seepage occurs, causing a soil creep and displacement of the bou.ders giving rise to local sinking.