Landslides and Avalanches山体滑坡与雪崩.pptVIP

Landslides and Avalanches Landslides in the U.S. annually cost over 1.5 billion dollars in losses and 25-50 deaths. Avalanche Landslide Occurrences A landslide consists of earth materials that move by gravitational force. The motion involves down slope movement as well as lateral spread or scatter materials. Landslides can even involve upslope movement, when it sends debris up the opposite valley wall. “landslide” applies to rapid movement of earth materials, although landslide movements often begin with slow creep. An avalanche is a similar mass movement of snow and ice. Takes 20 lives each year. Avalanche Landslide – No people were killed. Landslide Occurrences Down slope movement is inevitable. Down slope movement is a hazard usually when it is rapid enough to threaten man-made structures. The largest landslide was 9 miles wide and 12 miles wide. (pre-historically in Iran). El Salvador Landslide Dangers of Landslides Result in an annual cost to society at a cost of 1.5 billion dollars. Highways – 1 billion, buildings – half a billion. Very few occur in areas where they cannot be anticipated. 25 people die annually from slides in the U.S. 600 die worldwide from slides. Rapid slope failures occur as a result of the presence of specific types of earth materials and particular conditions and processes. Mudslide from Heavy Rains in Brazil Indications of Natural Instability History of past landslides in the nearby area in the same stratigraphic units as the site in question. Ex: Libby dam where shales are known for slope failure. Soil types that are rich in silt-to-clay sized material, particularly soils that are rich in swelling clays. Movement occurs in these soils in spring when the soil begins to thaw and snow melt. In China, dry loess soils went into fluid motion during an earthquake. A mudflow destroyed the Roman city of Herculaneum. Sinkhole Caused by Landslide Indications of Natural Instability Down slope orientation of planes of weakness in bedrock. Tra