Slope instability and mass movements in peat deposits

This chapter examines the nature of peat instability and what is known about the possible causes and mechanisms of mass movements in peat deposits. It identifies and discusses wider issues that are raised by previously published accounts of peat failures, in particular concerning the nature and (engineering) properties of peat and how these relate to the observed behaviour of peat. Warburton et al. (2004) recently examined some of the key research issues concerning the hydrology of blanket peat-covered hillslopes and how this may determine or control instability in those systems. This chapter highlights some of the other fundamental questions and suggest where future research efforts might be most effectively directed.