The collapse was recorded by geologist Richard Hocking - a soils and materials engineer for Cornwall Council.
More cracks have appeared along the cliff top, prompting fears of another collapse.
. . . .
The collapse of the cliff is thought to have been caused by a deep-seated inclined fault plane on which the rock mass slid.
http://www.cornwallinfocus.co.uk/geography/geology.phpCornwall can really be imagined as a finger of 400 million year old Devonian slates along with Carboniferous sandstones and shales pointing across the Atlantic Ocean towards the USA, with a backbone of granite. . . . .
North Cliff Failure, also known as the North Cliff Landslide, is a geological phenomenon that occurs when a section of a cliff or slope suddenly collapses and moves downhill. This can be caused by various factors such as erosion, heavy rainfall, or human activities.
North Cliff Failure can occur in any location where there is a steep cliff or slope. However, it is more common in areas with loose or weak soil, high levels of rainfall, or where there has been previous erosion or disturbance of the land.
The risks associated with North Cliff Failure depend on the location and severity of the event. In some cases, it can cause damage to properties and infrastructure, as well as injury or loss of life. It can also lead to further erosion and destabilization of the land.
Scientists use various methods to monitor and predict North Cliff Failure, including remote sensing techniques, ground surveys, and geotechnical analysis. They also consider factors such as rainfall patterns, soil conditions, and historical data to make predictions.
While it is not possible to completely prevent North Cliff Failure, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include slope stabilization methods, drainage systems, and land-use planning to avoid building in high-risk areas.