Mountain disaster formation in northwest Sichuan

This paper discusses the causes of debris flow, landslide, collapse, water and soil erosion and other mountain disasters in the high mountain-plateau transitional region in northwest Sichuan. Through analysis of geological structure, lithology, earthquakes, landforms, hydrologic regime, meteorological conditions and man-made factors, the authors conclude that the natural conditions of this region favor the formation of debris flow, landslides and other mountain disasters. Moreover, the irrational economic activities of humans such as destroying forest ecosystems stimulate the occurrence of mountain disasters.