High-Altitude and Long-Runout Landslide Dynamics: Theory, Methods, and Applications

High-altitude, long-runout landslides are among the most destructive natural hazards in mountainous regions, capable of causing extensive damage and triggering cascading effects such as floods and debris flows. These landslides are characterized by their high mobility and the ability to travel long distances, posing significant challenges to prediction and risk management. Nowadays, the complex interplay of geological formations, steep topography, human activities, and climatic change creates unique challenges in understanding and predicting landslide behaviors. As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of these landslides are expected to increase, highlighting an urgent need for advanced research to better understand the dynamics of these hazardous events and to develop effective mitigation strategies.

This research topic aims to improve the understanding of high-altitude and long-runout landslide dynamics by bringing together recent theoretical developments, innovative methodologies, and practical applications. The focus will be on addressing the gaps in our current knowledge regarding the propagation and deposition processes of these landslides. We seek to explore how advancements in remote sensing, numerical modeling, experiments and field investigations can enhance our predictive capabilities and inform risk mitigation strategies. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this Research Topic will aim to develop a more comprehensive framework for assessing landslide hazards in mountainous regions, contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

We invite contributions that address the multifaceted aspects of high-altitude and long-runout landslides. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Theoretical models and analytical approaches to understanding landslide dynamics.
• Advances in remote sensing technologies and their applications in landslide monitoring and prediction.
• Numerical simulations and computational methods for modeling landslide behavior.
• Case studies that provide insights into the runout characteristics of past landslides.
• The impact of climate change on the potential destruction of long runout landslides.
• Risk assessment and hazard mitigation strategies tailored to mountainous regions.

We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including Original Research, Review Articles, Case Studies, and Methodological Papers. This Research Topic will serve as a platform for sharing new knowledge and fostering collaboration among researchers, engineers, and policymakers working to understand and mitigate the risks associated with high-altitude and long-runout landslides.