Dual dominant frequency features of microseismic signals for landslide precursor analysis and risk zone identification

To address the challenges in slope-failure precursor identification and landslide risk monitoring, this study proposes an analytical method that utilises the dual dominant frequency mechanism in microseismic (MS) signals across laboratory and field scales. Experimental tensile and shear tests revealed dual frequencies in rocks (high: 260–300 kHz; low: 50–120 kHz), with a characteristic frequency ratio shift preceding rupture. The field MS signals from the Baige landslide exhibited analogous dual frequencies (high: 210–250 Hz; low: 20–70 Hz), where a significant ratio shift prior to failure served as a validated precursor during the third landslide event. These precursor characteristics were employed to evaluate slope stability, integrated with microseismic moment tensor inversion for precise risk zone identification. A comprehensive analysis confirmed the consistency among the multi-source field data, moment tensor-inferred damage modes, dual-frequency characteristics and field investigations. The dual-frequency-based methodology demonstrates broad applicability for landslide stability assessment and offers a novel approach for early warning of geotechnical disasters.