Mass Wasting

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Mass Wasting Frank Press, Raymond Siever, John Grotzinger, and Thomas H. Jordan Mass Wasting Understanding Earth Process by which Fourth Edition material moves downslope under Chapter 12: Mass the force of gravity Wasting Copyright © 2004 by W. H. Freeman & Company 1 2 Factors Influencing Mass Movement Mass Movement is Classified on the Basis of: • Nature of slope materials • Nature of material • Steepness of slope • Velocity of movement • Water content • Nature of movement • Slope stability 3 4 Mass Movement Depends on Water Content 5 6 Water Content Lose of Steep slopes vegetations and in damp sand root systems maintained by increases moisture susceptibility of between soils to erosion grains and mass movement 7 8 Types of Rock Mass Movement • Rock fall • Rock slide • Rock avalanche 9 10 Rock Fall Rockfall in Zion National Park 11 12 Rockslide Rockslide The rapid movement of large blocks of detached bedrock sliding more or less as a unit 13 14 Rockslide Rock Avalanche The rapid* mass movement of broken rock material, often riding on a cushion of trapped air. Usually triggered b y an earthquake. *10’s to 100’s of km/hr 15 16 Rock Avalanches Triggered by an Rock Avalanche Earthquake (Nov. 3, 2002) in Alaska 17 18 Types of Unconsolidated Mass Creep Movement Unconsolidated Flows The downhill movement of soil and other debris, typically at rates of Creep about 1 to 10 mm/year Earth Flow Increased velocity Debris Flow Earth Flow 19 20 Evidence of Creep 21 22 Earthflow Earthflow A fluid movement of relatively fine‐ grained material, e.g. soil, weathered shale, and clay. 23 24 Debris Flow A fluid mass Earthflow movement of rock fragments supported by a muddy matrix. May move at speeds of up to 100 km/hr 25 26 Debris Flow Debris Flow 27 28 Mudflow Mudflow A flowing mass of material (mostly finer than sand, along with some rock debris) containing a large amount of water. It may travel large distances and high speeds, and carry particles as large as a house! 29 30 Debris Avalanche Debris Avalanche Fast* downhill movements of soil and rock, usually occurring in humid mountainous regions. * Up to 280 km/hr 31 32 Mt. Huascaran, Peru (before 1970) Mt. Huascaran, Peru (after 1970) 33 34 Types of Unconsolidated Slump Mass Movement Unconsolidated Slides and Falls A slow slide of unconsolidated Slump material that travels as a unit. Increased velocity Debris slide Debris avalanche 35 36 Slump Slump 37 38 Debris Slide Debris Slide A type of mass of material in which rock material and soil move largely as one or more units along planes of weakness. 39 40 Debris Slide Ways to Reduce Losses Due to Landslides Include: • Avoid construction in areas prone to mass movement • Build in a way that does not make naturally stable slope unstable • Engineer water drainage to prevent strata to become water saturated and prone to fail 41 42.
Recommended publications
  • Types of Landslides.Indd
    Landslide Types and Processes andslides in the United States occur in all 50 States. The primary regions of landslide occurrence and potential are the coastal and mountainous areas of California, Oregon, Land Washington, the States comprising the intermountain west, and the mountainous and hilly regions of the Eastern United States. Alaska and Hawaii also experience all types of landslides. Landslides in the United States cause approximately $3.5 billion (year 2001 dollars) in dam- age, and kill between 25 and 50 people annually. Casualties in the United States are primar- ily caused by rockfalls, rock slides, and debris flows. Worldwide, landslides occur and cause thousands of casualties and billions in monetary losses annually. The information in this publication provides an introductory primer on understanding basic scientific facts about landslides—the different types of landslides, how they are initiated, and some basic information about how they can begin to be managed as a hazard. TYPES OF LANDSLIDES porate additional variables, such as the rate of movement and the water, air, or ice content of The term “landslide” describes a wide variety the landslide material. of processes that result in the downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials Although landslides are primarily associ- including rock, soil, artificial fill, or a com- ated with mountainous regions, they can bination of these. The materials may move also occur in areas of generally low relief. In by falling, toppling, sliding, spreading, or low-relief areas, landslides occur as cut-and- La Conchita, coastal area of southern Califor- flowing. Figure 1 shows a graphic illustration fill failures (roadway and building excava- nia.
    [Show full text]
  • South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis
    DOCUMENT A 13.66/2: COQUILLE fiVE, LOWER S.F. 17 10 03 00* I C 66x 1 COQUILLE RIVER, UPPER S.F 17 1:-03 01* ' United States Q, '0) Departimnt of Agriculture THIS PUBLICATION Forest Serilce CMN FE CHECKED OUT Pacific Northwest Region 1995 JA* fSouth Fork Coquille Wate1hed Analysis Iteration 1.0 Powers Ranger Distric, Slsklyou National Forest September 1995 SOUTHERN OREGON UNWVERSiTY LIBRARY ASHLAND, OREGON 97520 United Stat. Depaenent of Agnculure Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 1995 SOUTH FORK COQUILLE WATERSHED ANALYSIS ITERATION 1.0 I have read this analysis and it meets the Standards and Guidelines for watershed analysis required by an amendment to the Forest Plan (Record of Decision dated April 1994). Any additional evidence needed to make a decision will be gathered site-specifically as part of a NEPA document or as an update to this document. SIGNED CoQ 4 DATE q 1T2 letE District Ranger Powers Ranger District Siskiyou National Forest South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis - September 1995 Developed by Interdisciplinary Team Members: Steve Harbert Team leader Betsy Howell Wildlife Biologist Dave Shea Botantist, Wildlife Biologist Ruth Sisko Forester Cindy Ricks Geologist Chris Parks Hydrologist Max Yager Fish Biologist Kathy Helm Writer-Editor (March-April 1995), BLM Tina Harbert Writer-Editor (May-July 1995), Powers R.D. Joe Hallett Cultural Resource Key Support: Joel King Forest Planner, Siskiyou National Forest Sue Olson Acting District Ranger, Powers R.D. (Jan-May 1995) Carl Linderman District Ranger, Powers R.D. Marshall Foster GIS, Powers R.D. Jodi Shorb Computer Assistant Linda Spencer Computer Support For Further Information, contact: Powers Ranger District Powers, OR 97466 (503) 439-3011 The policy of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, or disability, familial status, or political affiliation.
    [Show full text]
  • Mass Wasting and Landslides
    Mass Wasting and Landslides Mass Wasting 1 Introduction Landslide and other ground failures posting substantial damage and loss of life In U.S., average 25–50 deaths; damage more than $3.5 billion For convenience, definition of landslide includes all forms of mass-wasting movements Landslide and subsidence: naturally occurred and affected by human activities Mass wasting Downslope movement of rock and soil debris under the influence of gravity Transportation of large masses of rock Very important kind of erosion 2 Mass wasting Gravity is the driving force of all mass wasting Effects of gravity on a rock lying on a hillslope 3 Boulder on a hillside Mass Movement Mass movements occur when the force of gravity exceeds the strength of the slope material Such an occurrence can be precipitated by slope-weakening events Earthquakes Floods Volcanic Activity Storms/Torrential rain Overloading the strength of the rock 4 Mass Movement Can be either slow (creep) or fast (landslides, debris flows, etc.) As terrain becomes more mountainous, the hazard increases In developed nations impacts of mass-wasting or landslides can result in millions of dollars of damage with some deaths In less developed nations damage is more extensive because of population density, lack of stringent zoning laws, scarcity of information and inadequate preparedness **We can’t always predict or prevent the occurrence of mass- wasting events, a knowledge of the processes and their relationship to local geology can lead to intelligent planning that will help
    [Show full text]
  • Engineering Geologic Assessment of the Slope Movements And
    EGU Journal Logos (RGB) Open Access Open Access Open Access Advances in Annales Nonlinear Processes Geosciences Geophysicae in Geophysics Open Access Open Access Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 13, 1113–1126, 2013 Natural Hazards Natural Hazards www.nat-hazards-earth-syst-sci.net/13/1113/2013/ doi:10.5194/nhess-13-1113-2013 and Earth System and Earth System © Author(s) 2013. CC Attribution 3.0 License. Sciences Sciences Discussions Open Access Open Access Atmospheric Atmospheric Chemistry Chemistry and Physics and Physics Engineering geologic assessment of the slope movements and Discussions Open Access Open Access liquefaction failures of the 23 October 2011 Van earthquakeAtmospheric Atmospheric Measurement Measurement M = ( w 7.2) Techniques Techniques A. Karakas¸, O.¨ Coruk, and B. Dogan˘ Discussions Open Access Open Access Kocaeli University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Geological Engineering, Izmit,˙ Kocaeli, Turkey Biogeosciences Correspondence to: A. Karakas¸([email protected]) Biogeosciences Discussions Received: 30 October 2012 – Published in Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss.: – Revised: 29 January 2013 – Accepted: 18 April 2013 – Published: 26 April 2013 Open Access Open Access Climate Climate Abstract. On 23 October 2011, a M = 7.2 earthquake oc- 1 Introduction w of the Past of the Past curred in the Van Province in eastern Turkey, killing 604 peo- Discussions ple. The earthquake was triggered by a thrust fault due to a Earthquakes are natural events that have different effects on compression stress in the region, and caused extensive dam- the earth. Some effects severely affect humans, man-made Open Access Open Access age over a large area. Many structures in the earthquake re- structures, and nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Mass Movements General Anatomy
    CE/SC 10110-20110: Planet Earth Mass Movements Earth Portrait of a Planet Fifth Edition Chapter 16 Mass movement (or mass wasting) is the downslope motion of rock, regolith (soil, sediment, and debris), snow, and ice. General Anatomy Discrete slump blocks Head scarp Bulging toe Road for scale Disaster in the Andes: Yungay, Peru, 1970 Fractures rock, loosens soil particles. Seismic energy overstresses the system. Yungay, Peru, in the Santa River Valley beneath the heavily glaciated Nevado Huascarán (21,860 feet). May, 1970, earthquake occurred offshore ~100 km away - triggered many small rock falls. An 800-meter-wide block of ice was dislodged and avalanched downhill, scooping out small lakes and breaking off large masses of rock debris. Disaster in the Andes: Yungay, Peru, 1970 More than 50 million cubic meters of muddy debris traveled 3.7 km (12,000 feet) vertically and 14.5 km (9 miles) horizontally in less than 4 minutes! Main mass of material traveled down a steep valley, blocking the Santa River and burying ~18,000 people in Ranrachirca. A small part shot up the valley wall, was momentarily airborne before burying the village of Yungay. Estimated death toll = 17,000. Disaster in the Andes: Yungay, Peru, 1970 Before After Whats Left of Yungay. Common Mass Movements Rockfalls and Slides Slow Fast Debris Flows Slumping Lahars and Mudflows Solifluction and Creep These different kinds of mass movements are arranged from slowest (left) to fastest (right). Types of Mass Movement Different types of mass movement based on 4 factors: 1) Type of material involved (rock, regolith, snow, ice); 2) Velocity of the movement (slow, intermediate, fast); 3) Character of the movement (chaotic cloud, slurry, coherent mass; 4) Environment (subaerial, submarine).
    [Show full text]
  • Weathering, Erosion, and Mass-Wasting Processes
    Weathering, Erosion, and Mass-Wasting Processes Designed to meet South Carolina Department of Education 2005 Science Academic Standards 1 Table of Contents (1 of 2) Definitions: Weathering, Erosion, and Mass-Wasting (slide 4) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Types of Weathering (slide 5) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Mechanical Weathering (slide 6) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Exfoliation (slide 7) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Frost Wedging (slide 8) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Temperature Change (slide 9) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Salt Wedging (slide 10) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Abrasion (slide 11) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Chemical Weathering (slide 12) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Carbonation (slide 13) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Hydrolysis (slide 14) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Hydration (slide 15) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Oxidation (slide 16) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Solution (slide 17) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Biological Weathering (slide 18) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Lichen, Algae, and Decaying Plants (slide 19) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Plant Roots (slide 20) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Organism Activity: Burrowing, Tunneling, and Acid Secreting Organisms (slide 21) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Differential Weathering (slide 22) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) 2 Table of Contents, cont. (2 of 2) Types of Erosion (slide 23) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Fluvial (slide 24) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Aeolian (slide 25) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Ice: Glacial and Periglacial (slide 26) (Standards: 3-3.8 ; 5-3.1) Gravity (slide
    [Show full text]
  • Alphabetical Glossary of Geomorphology
    International Association of Geomorphologists Association Internationale des Géomorphologues ALPHABETICAL GLOSSARY OF GEOMORPHOLOGY Version 1.0 Prepared for the IAG by Andrew Goudie, July 2014 Suggestions for corrections and additions should be sent to [email protected] Abime A vertical shaft in karstic (limestone) areas Ablation The wasting and removal of material from a rock surface by weathering and erosion, or more specifically from a glacier surface by melting, erosion or calving Ablation till Glacial debris deposited when a glacier melts away Abrasion The mechanical wearing down, scraping, or grinding away of a rock surface by friction, ensuing from collision between particles during their transport in wind, ice, running water, waves or gravity. It is sometimes termed corrosion Abrasion notch An elongated cliff-base hollow (typically 1-2 m high and up to 3m recessed) cut out by abrasion, usually where breaking waves are armed with rock fragments Abrasion platform A smooth, seaward-sloping surface formed by abrasion, extending across a rocky shore and often continuing below low tide level as a broad, very gently sloping surface (plain of marine erosion) formed by long-continued abrasion Abrasion ramp A smooth, seaward-sloping segment formed by abrasion on a rocky shore, usually a few meters wide, close to the cliff base Abyss Either a deep part of the ocean or a ravine or deep gorge Abyssal hill A small hill that rises from the floor of an abyssal plain. They are the most abundant geomorphic structures on the planet Earth, covering more than 30% of the ocean floors Abyssal plain An underwater plain on the deep ocean floor, usually found at depths between 3000 and 6000 m.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Earthflows on Stream Channel and Valley Floor
    AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Sarah B. Vest for the degree of Master of Science in Geology presented on January 12, 1988 Title: Effects of Earthflowson Stream Channel and Valley Floor Morphology, Western Cascade Range, Oregon Redacted for privacy Abstract approved: Frederick J. Swanson Slow moving earthflows (0.1 15 m/yr.) may constrict valley floors and directly impingeon stream channels. Earthflows that move laterally into channels deliver organic andinorganic material to the stream from the earthflow toe. If the amount and particle size of this material is too largeto be removed by streamflow, aggradation and subsequent steepening ofthe channel gradient occur. However, if the rate of material input istoo slow or the size of material is too small, the materialcan be removed as bedload or suspended sediment load andthere will be no change in gradient. Where earthflow encroachmentcauses channel aggradation, the valley floor and channel upstream of thezone of direct earthflow constriction experiences widening anddecrease in the gradient of the valley floor and channel. This increase in width of the channel is due to the gradient changein the earthflow-constricted zone and to hydraulic backwatereffects at stream flows which carry bedload. Effects of the earthflowconstriction at five sites in the western Cascade Range of Oregonare examined at two scales 1) that 2 3 of stream reaches (10 to 10 meters of channel length inareas having similiar valley floorcharacteristics) and 2) that of channel units (features which are 1to 10 channel widths in length,e.g. pools, riffles and cascades). In earthflow-constricted reaches (defined by length of the earthflowtoe entering the channel) where channel gradient is steepest,there is a greater percentage of cascades per unit of reach length.
    [Show full text]
  • Recognition and Identification of Landslides
    Chapter Four Recognition and Identification of Landslides Arthur M Ritchie The problems of recognition of land- movements have actually taken place or slides and identification of landslide are likely to do so in the future, and the types are as complex as are the ma- means of identifying the various types terials and processes that cause them. of landslides and their constituent parts. As treated more fully in Chapter Three, The application of these methods and the basic conditions that favor slides criteria to the solution of landslide prob- depend to a large extent on the char- lems appears in succeeding chapters, par- acter, stratigraphy and structure of the ticularly in Chapter Six. underlying rocks and soils, on the topog- .raphy, climate and vegetation, and on Evidence for Actual or Potential surface and underground waters. All of Landslides these factors vary widely from place to place; their variations are reflected in ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS differences in the rate and kind of land- slide movements that result from their A knowledge of the general setting is interaction. essential in the recognition of either po- Because so many variables are in- tential or actual landslides. By setting is volved in the production of landslides, meant all the factors that make up the it is natural that many tools, theoretical physical environment - geology, soils, and practical, must be used in recogniz- topography, climate - for a difference in ing and classifying them. The selection any single factor, such as climate, can of methods and criteria for use in solu- have pronounced effect on the other fac- tion of a given problem is made with tors, hence on the probability of slides.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mink Creek Earthflow March, 1995
    Forest Sciences Prince Rupert Forest Region Extension Note # 04 The Mink Creek Earthflow March, 1995 Research Issue Groups: Forest Biology Forest Growth Soils Wildlife Habitat Silviculture Timber Harvesting Ecosystem Inventory and Classification Biodiversity Figure 1. The Mink Creek earthflow retrogressed about 600 meters. Ecosystem Management Background Hydrology (sediments of glacial origin deposited We generally associate slope failures in the sea) flowed and slid rapidly Geomorphology with steep, mountainous areas. Flat into Mink Creek, near Terrace, BC. to rolling, subdued terrain is thought Spoil from the earthflow crater filled the incised channel of Mink Creek, Extension of as having a relatively low risk of landslide occurrence. This is not extending downstream approximately always the case. Sometime, between one kilometer. The debris dammed Forest Engineering mid-December, 1993 and early the creek, raised the water level by 10 January, 1994, approximately 23 meters and backed water upstream hectares of glaciomarine sediments 1200 meters. Forest Sciences, Prince Rupert Forest Region Bag 5000, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 847-7500 (FAX 847-7217) ocean water filled the valley, creating a fjord. Glacial retreat up the Kitsumkalum-Kitimat Trough was relatively rapid, although there were several periods when the ice front was stable. During one such period, the snout of the stable, calving glacier was situated near the present location of Thornhill. Sediment- laden meltwaters poured from the ice front. Gravels and sands were deposited near the snout of the glacier forming a large sandur, or outwash plain (Terrace Airport). Smaller clay and silt particles remained suspended in the sea much longer and were deposited further from the ice front, forming silty-clay deposits such as those found at Mink Creek.
    [Show full text]
  • North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed Water Quality
    Water Quality Restoration Plan Southern Oregon Coastal Basin North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District Ashland Resource Area Butte Falls Resource Area Lakeview District Klamath Falls Resource Area May 2006 North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed at a Glance Hydrologic Unit Code Number (Little 1710030708 Butte Creek) WQRP Area/Ownership Total: 125,778 acres BLM: 26,959 acres (21%) U. S. Forest Service: 59,875 acres (48%) Bureau of Reclamation: 5 acres (<.01%) Private: 38,939 acres (31%) 303(d) Stream Miles Assessed Total: 65.4 miles BLM Ownership: 15.7 miles 303(d) Listed Parameters Temperature, Sedimentation, E. Coli, pH Key Resources and Uses Salmonids, domestic, aesthetic Known Human Activities Agriculture, forestry, roads, recreation, rural residential development Natural Factors Geology: volcanic Soils: various series and complexes Statement of Purpose This water quality restoration plan is prepared to meet the requirements of Section 303(d) of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act. Table of Contents Page Element 1 Condition Assessment and Problem Description 1 A. Introduction 1 B. Watershed Characterization 4 C.Temperature 16 D. Sedimentation 23 E.E.Coli 31 F.pH 34 Element 2 Goals and Objectives 36 Element 3 Proposed Management Measures 39 Element 4 Time Line for Implementation 40 Element 5 Responsible Parties 41 Element 6 Reasonable Assurance of Implementation 41 Element 7 Monitoring and Evaluation 42 Element 8 Public Involvement 44 Element 9 Costs and Funding 44 Element 10 Citation to Legal Authorities 45 References 46 List of Preparers 48 List of Tables Page 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Sediment Yield, Spatial Characteristics, and the Long-Term
    Sediment yield, spatial characteristics, and the long-term evolution of active earthfl ows determined from airborne LiDAR and historical aerial photographs, Eel River, California Benjamin H. Mackey†, and Joshua J. Roering Department of Geological Sciences, 1272 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA ABSTRACT period, equating to a regional yield of 1100 by sliding along transient shear surfaces with t km–2 yr–1 (~0.45 mm/yr) if distributed across a degree of internal deformation or fl ow. They In mountainous landscapes with weak, the study area. As such, a small fraction of span a range of landslide failure styles and have fi ne-grained rocks, earthfl ows can dominate the landscape can account for half of the re- been variably described as landslide complexes erosion and landscape evolution by supply- gional denudation rate estimated from sus- (Iverson, 1986a), landslides (Schulz et al., ing sediment to channels and controlling pended sediment records (2200 t km–2 yr–1 or 2009b), earth slides (Cruden and Varnes, 1996), hillslope morphology. To estimate the con- ~0.9 mm/yr). We propose a conceptual model and mudslides (Chandler and Brunsden, 1995; tribution of earthfl ows to regional sediment for long-term earthfl ow evolution wherein Glastonbury and Fell, 2008). Hereafter, we budgets and identify patterns of landslide ac- earthfl ows experience intermittent activity use the term earthfl ow as advocated by Hungr tivity, earthfl ow movement needs to be quan- and long periods of dormancy when limited et al. (2001) to describe large, slow-moving tifi ed over signifi cant spatial and temporal by the availability of readily mobilized sedi- landslides with macroscale, fl ow-like morphol- scales.
    [Show full text]