RELATIONSHIp BETWEEN NEOTECTONISM AND LANDSLIDES IN RESERVOIR AREA OF THREE-GORGES PROJECT ON YANGTZE RIVER

RelationshIp between landslides and neotectonism in reservoir area of Three-Gorges Project on Yangtze River were examined. The neotectonism exhibits well staged character reflecting in alternate crustal uplifting and relatively stable periods and alternate faulting and seismo-active periods.The sliding events of landslides are also staged and are well correlated with the neotectonic stages. The occurrence times of landslides coincide with neotectonic activity stages. From the results we can conclude that the neotectonic factor plays an important role in sliding of landslides in the Three-Gorges area. The seismo-active periodicity indicates that the neotectonism has entered into a quiet stage since 1980s. The internal factors for structural activities may be comparatively insignificant for the occurrence of landslides in a relatively long-term future. It is suggested that the human activity may be a main factor causing landslide to occur. This must be taken into adequate consideration in the reservoir area of the Three-Gorges Project on Yangtze River.