The basic properties of mudstone slopes in southwestern Taiwan

The mudstone in the southwestern Taiwan is lithified shortly and is poorly cemented. Water absorption in the rocks results in swelling, slaking, and weakening. Hence, ground erosion, sliding of weathered layer and mud flow are noticeable geological hazards at the mudstone slopes. This paper reviews available literature regarding the distribution and basic properties of mudstone. In addition, we briefly describe the characteristics and geological disasters at mudstone slopes. Furthermore, the precipitation and temperature data in Tainan and Kaohsiung show the approaching of global warming to the mudstone area. This study is expected to assist the researchers to simply understand the characteristics of mudstone and mudstone slope to continuously investigate new methods to mitigate the local disasters.