Landslide developed under the unique environment of Western Sichuan Plateau is characterized by strong concealment and hence is a kind of extremely serious disaster because of its less evident sliding indication before occurrence. This kind of landslide often occurs suddenly due to freeze-thaw action

even in the absence of earthquake and rainfall

and then is transformed into debris flow. During its high speed movement

the landslide is capable of transporting and stripping loose materials on slope and therefore shows some movement and accumulation characteristics differing from common landslide by gravity. By taking the Zhaoma landslide in Zhongzhake Town

Dege County

for an example

development characteristics and failure process of the landslide are analyzed. According to the division and dynamic characteristics of landslide

its failure process is generalized as the three stages of gestation

high-speed movement and debris flow

and accumulation. Results show that the maximum movement speed of the Zhaoma landslide is as high as 75 m/s and intensive freeze-thaw action and the unique geological structure of the study area are the primary causes for its high-speed remote movement. Result from the study may provide a theoretical base for prevention and reduction of the landslide disaster induced by freeze-thaw action on the Western Sichuan Plateau.