Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide?

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type of "mass wasting," which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity. The term "landslide" encompasses five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. These are further subdivided by the type of geologic material (bedrock, debris, or earth). Debris flows (commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common landslide types.

Almost every landslide has multiple causes. Slope movement occurs when forces acting down-slope (mainly due to gravity) exceed the strength of the earth materials that compose the slope. Causes include factors that increase the effects of down-slope forces and factors that contribute to low or reduced strength. Landslides can be initiated in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in water level, stream erosion, changes in ground water, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these factors. Earthquake shaking and other factors can also induce landslides underwater. These landslides are called submarine landslides. Submarine landslides sometimes cause tsunamis that damage coastal areas. 

Learn more:

  • USGS Landslide Hazards
  • The Landslide Handbook - A Guide to Understanding Landslides
  • U.S. Landslide Inventory Web Application 

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Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide?

On July 23, in Pingdi Village of Liupanshui City, southwest China‘s Guizhou Province, the green mountain was slashed by a "wave" of rocks and earth moving down the slope. This natural hazard called landslide swallowed buildings and lives. 

What is a landslide?

A landslide is any type of downslope movement of soil, rock or debris under the direct influence of gravity. The term "landslide" includes five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. It can occur when a slope becomes unstable. The study "Global fatal landslide occurrence from 2004 to 2016" by Melanie J. Froude and David N. Petley says that the spatial distribution of landslides is heterogeneous, but Asia represents the dominant geographical area. 

Landslides are driven by tectonic, climate and human activities. They can be secondary hazards triggered by another disaster, like earthquakes, volcanic activity, rainfall, and snowmelt. Human activities such as deforestation, cultivation, blasting, and mining can also lead to landslides.

The destructive power of a landslide is tremendous. The rapidly moving water and earth can engulf roads and buildings and take lives. Despite the rescue teams' efforts day and night that landslide occurred in Pingdi Village killed more than 40 people and buried 21 houses.

Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide?

The mass landslide happened in Pingdi Village was triggered by continuous rainfall. /VCG Photo

The mass landslide happened in Pingdi Village was triggered by continuous rainfall. /VCG Photo

How to minimize damages?

First, you need to be aware of the areas that are more likely to experience landslides. Geographically, places with steep slopes or at the bottom of slopes or canyons, or channels along a stream or rivers are not ideal places. Areas with less soil stabilization due to destroyed vegetation or landslides that occurred before are also dangerous.

Similar to the safe tips for flooding, keep an eye on warning systems and prepare an emergency plan. Most landslides with heavy casualties happen at night when people are at home, reminding us of sharp vigilance during extreme weather and keeping alert for rumbling sounds that could be an approaching landslide.

When the landslide happens, do not run along with the landslide but move to the nearest high place on the other side of the path. In case of no time for avoiding, try to hide in the nearest shelter.

Flooding may occur after a landslide creates a dammed lake, so stay on alert until authorities announce safety. 

Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide?

A lucky house survive from the landslide in Pingdi Village. /VCG Photo

A lucky house survive from the landslide in Pingdi Village. /VCG Photo

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(Cover image via VCG)

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Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide intense rain or an earthquake light breezes or a flowing stream heavy snow or continuous sunlight IC?

transports sediment to a new location. Which natural phenomenon can trigger a landslide? intense rain or an earthquake.

What are the 3 main triggers of landslides?

What Causes Landslides? Landslides have three major causes: geology, morphology, and human activity.

What is the most common trigger for landslides?

Excessive water is thought to be one of the most common triggers for landslides. Other factors that weaken slope materials also contribute to the occurrence of landslides.