Understanding Landslides: Causes, Impacts, and Prevention

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36 Questions

What external factor can lead to the saturation of the ground and trigger landslides?

Heavy rainfall

Which human activity can contribute to the occurrence of landslides?

Mining

What type of movement classifies landslides as falls, topples, slides, or flows?

Translations

What impact can landslides have on communities other than fatalities and property damage?

Socio-economic impacts

What is an essential step to prepare for a landslide in your area according to the text?

Understanding the landslide hazard

Which factor among the following does NOT increase the chance of a landslide?

Regular maintenance

What is the primary cause of landslides according to the text?

Downward driving forces exceeding resisting forces

Which of the following is NOT listed as a natural trigger for landslides in the text?

Ground vibrations from machinery

What is one of the manmade triggers for landslides?

Road construction

Which of the following is cited as a landslide trigger in the text due to natural weathering processes?

Intense rainfall

What role does gravity play in the occurrence of landslides as per the text?

Gravity is a downward driving force

Which factor is highlighted in the text as contributing to the weakening of slope material?

Weathering of rocks

What is a key characteristic of cover-collapse sinkholes?

They occur suddenly and cause catastrophic damages

Which type of rocks can underlie areas where sinkholes naturally occur?

Limestone

What can lead to the collapse of surface due to sinkholes?

Lowering of groundwater levels

How can changing groundwater gradients contribute to the formation of sinkholes?

By flushing loose materials quicker from voids

In what situations can sinkholes occur as per the text?

In response to various natural and manmade events

What is a recommended step for protecting oneself from sinkholes according to the text?

Seek assistance for land surveys from your local government unit

Which type of landslide involves rocks that are extremely rapid and can travel great distances?

Debris slides and flow

What distinguishes slumps from other types of landslides?

They mainly involve soil

In landslides, what causes soil ripples that resemble miniature folds or small wave-like figures along slopes?

Creep

Which characteristic is NOT associated with rockfall and topples in landslides?

Mainly involve soil

What feature is a common indicator of creep in landslides?

Leaning trees and fences

Which type of landslide involves the transformation of debris mixed with water into slides that can carry logs or houses?

Mudslides

How would you describe the movement involved in mudslides according to the text?

Debris slide

What characteristics are typically associated with areas that are considered safe from landslides?

Relatively flat terrain and no past movement history

How can individuals reduce their personal risk of landslides according to the text?

Learning about local landslide hazards and developing an evacuation plan

During which periods should individuals living in landslide-prone areas be particularly vigilant, according to the text?

After heavy rainfall or following a wildfire

What is a key recommendation for individuals living in landslide-prone areas based on the text?

Being informed about local landslide hazards and having an emergency plan

Which type of movement is characteristic of landslides involving rocks moving at very slow to slow velocities?

Creep

How does a sinkhole differ from a typical area of ground during rainfall?

It retains water inside

What type of sinkhole develops slowly and is characterized by gradual dissolution?

Dissolution sinkhole

Which factor contributes to the formation of dissolution sinkholes?

Aggressive dissolution in pre-existing rock openings

What type of sinkhole tends to develop gradually in permeable sediments containing sand?

Cover-subsidence sinkhole

Which type of sinkhole can form suddenly due to a collapse?

Cover-collapse sinkhole

In which type of rock do dissolution sinkholes primarily occur?

Carbonate bedrock

Study Notes

A landslide is a mass movement of material, such as rock, earth, or debris, down a slope. They can happen suddenly or more slowly over long periods of time. Landslides are classified by their type of movement, which can be falls, topples, slides, or flows. They are caused by various external factors, including heavy rainfall leading to ground saturation, erosion of the base of a slope, and changes to the material's strength through weathering. Additionally, human activities like mining, traffic vibrations, and urbanization can also contribute to landslides.

Landslides can have significant impacts, causing fatalities, property damage, and economic losses. In the absence of fatalities, they can still have socio-economic impacts by severing access to remote communities and affecting services, employment, health, and educational opportunities.

Factors that increase the chance of a landslide include the addition of water to the material on a slope, erosion processes, slope angle, rock type, grain shape, jointing and orientation of bedding planes, weathering processes, and vegetation loss. Flooding, volcanoes, and earthquake activity nearby can also contribute to landslide occurrences.

To prepare for a landslide, it is essential to understand the landslide hazard in your area and take appropriate measures. This may include avoiding building on slopes, maintaining vegetation, and being aware of potential hazards during heavy rain or seismic activity.

Learn about landslides, including their types, causes, impacts, and prevention measures. Explore how factors like heavy rainfall, erosion, human activities, and natural disasters can trigger landslides, leading to fatalities, property damage, and economic losses.

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