The basic types of landslide movement Fall. This is generally characterized by a rapid to extremely rapid rate of movement with the descent of material characterized by a freefall period. Falls are commonly triggered by earthquakes or erosion processes. USGS The basic types of landslide movement  Fall. This is generally characterized by a rapid to extremely rapid rate of movement with the descent of material characterized by a freefall period. Falls are commonly triggered by earthquakes or erosion processes