In general the failure development process of high slope under seismic action is very short and intense, the failure mechanism is relatively complex. In this paper, a model test is adopted to study the response of intermittent joints rock slope under seismic load. The results in dicate that the maximum strain is on the joints, the strain on upper part of the model is larger than the lower part. The coalescence mechanisms is complex, mostly are tensileshear mixed fail ure. The coalescence of joints didn＇t imply the destruction of the slope, but destroy the integrity of the slope, and made it in the critical condition. The physical test reveals the response and fail ure mechanism of this type slope under the earthquake action＇, it will provide a useful reference and guide for theory application and engineering practice.