Hillslope Processes and Climate Change

This chapter focuses on the relationships between hillslope processes and climate change. Particular attention is given to the role of climate variations on the temporal and spatial occurrence of landslides (including falls, topples, slides, flows and spreads). An introduction on the causes and trends of climate change is given as a basis for better understanding the influence of temperature and precipitation changes on gravity-induced processes on hillslopes through time. The links between global and regional climate change and landslide activity (or inactivity) at different temporal scales (from interannual to millennial) are explored, also providing information on the major findings on the topic in different parts of the world. Hazard and risk issues related to the possible increase in frequency and magnitude of slope instability processes due to global warming and more intense rainfall are finally discussed, with emphasis on the expected consequences for human activities and on possible mitigation measures. The chapter makes it clear that understanding the relationship between hillslope processes and climate change is of crucial importance in planning a proactive approach to hazard and risk management in a changing environment. Advances in geohazard modelling and prediction, as well as in real-time monitoring technology, enable us to be better prepared for the impacts of climate changes, but in many countries there is still an urgent need for effective risk management and informed planning policy to improve the safety and sustainability of communities at risk.