A global dataset of impact forces from submarine landslides on pipelines and cables

TL;DR

This paper introduces a standardized dataset of impact forces from submarine landslides on underwater infrastructure like pipelines and cables.

Contribution

The novelty lies in curating and standardizing 864 impact force entries from diverse studies to enable comparative analysis and infrastructure risk assessment.

Findings

The dataset includes key parameters like impact velocity, flow type, and Reynolds number from 24 studies.

Standardized definitions for peak and stable forces improve comparability across different studies.

The dataset supports offshore infrastructure design and modeling of landslide interactions.

Abstract

Submarine pipelines and cables are critical infrastructure components supporting offshore energy production and global communications. These systems are increasingly at risk from submarine landslides, which can generate significant mechanical forces and compromise structural integrity. While various experimental and numerical studies have investigated the interactions between submarine landslides and pipelines or cables, their data are dispersed across disciplines and lack standardization, limiting comparative analysis. Here, we present a curated dataset comprising 864 entries of impact force parameters derived from 24 representative studies. Data were extracted through a systematic literature review covering publications from 1900 to 2025, with an emphasis on works post 2008. Each entry includes key rheological, geometric, and dynamic parameters such as impact velocity, flow type, Reynolds number, and corresponding drag and lift forces. To enhance comparability, we standardized the definitions of peak and stable forces and categorized working conditions based on Reynolds number regimes. This dataset provides a valuable resource for researchers and engineers engaged in risk assessment, offshore infrastructure design, and the modeling of pipeline–landslide interactions.

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