Landslide research in the South Wales coalfield

The areal density of landslides in the coalfield of South Wales is one of the highest in the U.K. During the past 100 years landsliding has had considerable impact, causing structural damage and loss of life. Most of the landslides were initiated under periglacial conditions but many became reactivated due to the activities of man, particularly, during the late 19th century when widespread urban and industrial development commenced in the Welsh valleys. A number of the areasʹ larger landslides are first-time slides which occurred during the past 100 years. This paper sets out to chart the history of landslide research in the coalfield, which began through work by mining engineers.