Landslides: Causes, Types, and Effects

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a landslide occurring due to the driving force exceeding the resisting force?

  • Heavy rainfall saturates a deforested hillside, causing it to collapse. (correct)
  • An earthquake causes minor cracks in a building foundation.
  • A construction company builds a retaining wall to stabilize a steep slope.
  • A hillside remains stable despite heavy rainfall due to dense vegetation.

Which human activity is LEAST likely to directly contribute to an increased risk of landslides?

  • Implementing strict building codes that require proper soil compaction and drainage systems. (correct)
  • Deforestation on steep slopes for agricultural purposes.
  • Construction of roads and buildings without adequate slope stabilization measures.
  • Uncontrolled mining operations that destabilize hillsides.

A geological survey identifies an area with a history of ground spreading. Which type of landslide would you expect to be most likely in this area?

  • Fall
  • Spread (correct)
  • Topple
  • Slide

Following a significant landslide event, what action would be the LEAST appropriate immediately after the event?

<p>Immediately re-entering your home to salvage belongings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pre-landslide actions would provide the MOST direct benefit to community safety?

<p>Preparing an evacuation plan. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a landslide, why is running across the slope generally recommended over running downward?

<p>Running across the slope takes you out of the direct path of the slide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which set of observations would MOST strongly indicate that an area is prone to landslides?

<p>Steep slopes, tension cracks in the ground, and leaning utility poles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which engineering measure provides the MOST direct method of preventing landslides on a steep slope?

<p>Installing a robust drainage system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a 'fall' and a 'topple' type of landslide?

<p>A fall consists of rocks freely dropping, while a topple involves tilting and forward rotation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consult a geotechnical expert after a landslide, even if your property appears undamaged?

<p>To assess potential hidden damages and future risks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical effect of landslides on the environment and infrastructure?

<p>Increase in property values in the affected area. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do volcanic eruptions contribute to the risk of landslides?

<p>Ash and lava deposits weaken land stability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies for reducing landslide risks primarily involves educating the public?

<p>Public awareness programs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clearance secured from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) helps to ensure what aspect of landslide preparedness?

<p>The safety and stability of construction or development projects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does heavy rainfall increase the likelihood of landslides?

<p>It adds weight to the soil and reduces its internal strength. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of hazard mapping in reducing landslide risks?

<p>To identify areas prone to landslides for land-use planning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST immediate action to take upon receiving a landslide warning?

<p>Evacuating to a safer location. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of landslides, what does the term 'driving force' refer to?

<p>The forces that cause the downward movement of materials. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of landslide is MOST likely to occur after a major earthquake in a mountainous region?

<p>Rock fall (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a slide and a flow landslide?

<p>A slide involves movement along a distinct shear surface, while a flow involves fluid-like movement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After a landslide, why should you inspect your house for damage before re-entering?

<p>To ensure the structure is safe and stable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of early warning systems in landslide risk reduction?

<p>To alert communities at immediate risk, allowing time for evacuation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do leaning trees, fences, or utility poles indicate a potential landslide hazard?

<p>They suggest that the ground beneath is shifting or unstable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of landslide is likely to happen in soft clay soil?

<p>Spread (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity would be LEAST effective in reducing landslide risk?

<p>Ignoring unusual water movement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the 'resisting force' in the context of landslide mechanics?

<p>The internal properties of materials that prevent movement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which measure would a community take to BEST prepare for potential landslides?

<p>Creating and practicing evacuation plans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST critical action to take if you are inside a building during a landslide?

<p>Get out as quickly as possible. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key recommendation for what to do after a Landslide?

<p>Rebuild on same location. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first sign to look when identifying landslide-prone areas?

<p>Steep slopes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of landslides?

<p>Gravity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered a human activity which increases the risk of landslides?

<p>Reforestation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material is prone to 'spread' landslides?

<p>Soft clay. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should one do BEFORE a landslide?

<p>Plant trees. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) role when building in landslide-prone areas?

<p>MGB gives clearance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate thing to do AFTER a landslide?

<p>Consult a geotechnical expert. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How to reduce the risk of landslides?

<p>By initiating public awareness programs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How to determine if a landslide might occur soon?

<p>Check if there are cracks in the ground. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When an earthquake hits, which landslide is more likely?

<p>Rocks break off and fall freely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a landslide?

The downward movement of rock, soil, or debris due to gravity when the driving force exceeds the resisting force.

Heavy Rainfall

Water weakens soil, leading to instability and increased landslide risk.

Earthquakes

Shaking ground causes slopes to collapse, triggering landslides.

Volcanic Eruptions

Ashfall and lava flows weaken the land, reducing its stability.

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Human Activities

Deforestation, mining, and construction disrupt land, making it vulnerable.

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Steep Slopes & Weak Soil

Unstable ground with steep slopes is highly susceptible to landslides.

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Fall (Landslide Type)

Rocks break off and fall freely from a cliff or steep slope.

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Topple (Landslide Type)

Rocks tilt and fall forward due to instability.

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Slide (Landslide Type)

A large mass of rock or soil moves downward along a slope.

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Spread (Landslide Type)

Ground extends sideways, typically in soft clay soils.

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Flow (Landslide Type)

Mud, debris, or earth moves like a fluid downhill.

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Identifying Landslide-Prone Areas

Past landslides, cracks, leaning structures, and unusual water indicate risk.

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Before a Landslide

Obtain clearance, prepare plans, keep contacts, and join programs.

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During a Landslide

Evacuate, avoid the path, and run across the slope.

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After a Landslide

Check for injuries, stay away, inspect damage, follow updates, consult experts.

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Reducing Landslide Risks

Mapping, awareness, engineering, and warning systems reduce risk.

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Study Notes

What is a Landslide?

  • Landslides involve the downward movement of rock, soil, or debris due to gravity.
  • They occur when the driving force exceeds the resisting force.

Causes of Landslides

  • Heavy rainfall weakens the soil, causing instability.
  • Earthquakes cause slopes to collapse via shaking.
  • Volcanic eruptions weaken land stability due to ash and lava.
  • Human activities, including deforestation, mining, and construction, disturb the land.
  • Steep slopes and weak soil increase landslide potential.

Types of Landslides (Varnes' System)

  • Fall: Rocks break off and fall freely.
  • Topple: Rocks tilt and fall forward.
  • Slide: A large mass of rock or soil moves downward.
  • Spread: Ground extends sideways, typically in soft clay.
  • Flow: Mud, debris, or earth moves like a fluid.

Effects of Landslides

  • Landslides cause property damage.
  • Landslides can cause injury or loss of life.
  • Landslides disrupt transportation and utilities.
  • Landslides result in the loss of farmland and natural resources.

How to Identify Landslide-Prone Areas

  • Look for a history of past landslides in the area.
  • Assess the presence of steep slopes or cliffs nearby.
  • Check for cracks in the ground or buildings.
  • Identify leaning trees, fences, or utility poles.
  • Notice signs of unusual water movement.

What to Do Before a Landslide

  • Secure clearance from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
  • Prepare an evacuation plan.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
  • Participate in tree-planting and awareness programs.

What to Do During a Landslide

  • Evacuate immediately if warned.
  • Avoid the landslide path.
  • If inside, evacuate as soon as possible.
  • Run across the slope, not downward.

What to Do After a Landslide

  • Check for injuries and assist others.
  • Stay away from the landslide area.
  • Inspect your house for damage before re-entering.
  • Stay informed by listening to news updates.
  • Seek advice from a geotechnical expert.

How to Reduce Landslide Risks

  • Implement hazard mapping.
  • Create public awareness programs.
  • Utilize engineering measures like retaining walls, drainage, and slope protection.
  • Establish early warning systems.

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