Geohazards threatening cave dwellings in loess hilly areas of northern Shaanxi

The cave is one of the major forms of dwellings in loess hilly areas of northern Shaanxi. Based on the type and distribution of the loess caves in the study area, this paper discusses the development characteristics of geohazards threatening the main cave dwellings such as landslides, collapses, cave dwelling collapses and cave flooding. The main causes for forming cave hazard were analyzed in aspects of the phases of valley development, structural types of slopes and topographic features. The authors think that the engineering geological properties of loess is the material basis of geohazard development and that human engineering activities and precipitation are the main factor inducing the occurrence of hazards. Finally, the geohazard prevention and control measures are put forward from the selection of cave location, slope design and waterproof of caves.