A landslide is a mass movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides can occur suddenly or slowly over time. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and human activity.
Landslides can be very destructive. They can damage or destroy homes, roads, and other infrastructure. They can also cause injuries and deaths.
There are five main types of landslides:
- Falls: Falls are landslides that involve the sudden collapse of rock or debris from a steep slope.
- Topples: Topples are landslides that involve the rotation of a mass of rock or debris around a fixed point.
- Slides: Slides are landslides that involve the movement of a mass of rock or debris down a slope along a relatively planar surface.
- Spreads: Spreads are landslides that involve the lateral spreading of a mass of rock or debris.
- Flows: Flows are landslides that involve the rapid movement of a mass of rock or debris down a slope in a fluid-like manner.
