Lateral Spreading

The main conceptual and terminological issues related to lateral spreading as an extension of a cohesive and fractured rock or soil mass over a softer underlying material are presented and accompanied by a brief outline of the state-of-the-art on the topic. Then the geomorphic features related to the two main types of spreading (rock spreading and soil spreading) are illustrated, with reference to the geological conditions in which they take place, as well as to their causes and evolution. Finally, some considerations on the hazard and planning implications are provided. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.