Geographical Processes in the formation of Landslides
Landslides occur when the downward force of gravity acting on the slope is greater than the force holding the soil particles together. The downward force can occur in many different ways. The factors that contribute whether landslides will occur are the steepness of the slope, the shape of the slope and the properties of the materials in the slope.
The main way landslides occur is through erosion. Erosion is the process of rock corroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents. Additional moisture is another main cause of landslides. The moisture, caused by heavy rainfall, adds additional weight to the slope therefore creating a downward force, which the slope can’t handle. Shocks and vibrations are also factors that can cause landslides. Earthquakes and volcanoes are the main causes of shocks and vibration.
Humans are large contributors to the trigger of landslides. Deforestation is an example of this. As humans are in demand for clear land, deforestation occurs. When forests on a slope are logged the soil they hold in place is dismantled. Therefore weakening the cohesive force of the materials on the slope. This makes the slope more susceptible to a landslide when additional water and shock is added.
Landslides occur when the downward force of gravity acting on the slope is greater than the force holding the soil particles together. The downward force can occur in many different ways. The factors that contribute whether landslides will occur are the steepness of the slope, the shape of the slope and the properties of the materials in the slope.
The main way landslides occur is through erosion. Erosion is the process of rock corroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents. Additional moisture is another main cause of landslides. The moisture, caused by heavy rainfall, adds additional weight to the slope therefore creating a downward force, which the slope can’t handle. Shocks and vibrations are also factors that can cause landslides. Earthquakes and volcanoes are the main causes of shocks and vibration.
Humans are large contributors to the trigger of landslides. Deforestation is an example of this. As humans are in demand for clear land, deforestation occurs. When forests on a slope are logged the soil they hold in place is dismantled. Therefore weakening the cohesive force of the materials on the slope. This makes the slope more susceptible to a landslide when additional water and shock is added.