ABSTRACT
Polygenic landslides of the Montenegrin littoral represent complex systems that developed as a result of multifuncional processes with factors overlaping in time and space. Most important factors are: differentiated neotectonic movements and seismicity; enormous pressure of tectonic, as well as of gravitational origin induced by rigid carbonate rocks on quasiplastic flysch sediments; complex hydrogeological conditions; abrasion; intensive technogenic and anthropogenic distortions at the slope. As a consequence typical landslide features are: cyclic repetition of the landslide processes with secondary effects in individual cycles; complex movements conditioned by the presence of multiple sliding surfaces; complexity of the moving mechanism that include bulging effects, creep, sliding, flow. Apart from specific engineering and geological aspects, there are practical reasons to investigate landslides in this area which represent mostly urbanized parts of the Montenegrin littoral, including some exclusive tourist resorts. Key words: polygenic landslides, cycles, composite built-up, complex moving mechanism, urbanized areas.
