Combined Land and River High-resolution Reflection Seismic Imaging of an Area Prone to Quick-clay Landslides in Sweden

Quick-clay landslides are common in northern countries and the delineation of these materials is important when planning urban areas. High-resolution reflection seismic data were acquired on land along four profiles in an area prone to quick-clay landslides in southwest Sweden in 2013. These data complement previous investigations that show the influence of the underlying coarse-grained layers in the formation and thickness of the quick clays. The intercalation of the different glacial and postglacial sediments, and the structural information of the subsurface provide clues to the possible causes of a landslide. Apart from the land data, river seismic data, using one and six channels, were obtained. All the seismic sections show a clear undulating bedrock reflection, and signs of bedrock faults at shallower depth that maybe important in the generation of quick clays and landslides. The coarse-grained layer reflection is delineated on the land data, and several filled channels can be distinguished along the river. The presence of the coarse-grained layer indicates the possible large extension of the quick clays in the study area, which needs to be confirmed using geotechnical investigations.