How do dams cause landslides?

While the dam is being filled, the surrounding groundwater level rises. The dam failure may trigger further catastrophic processes. As the water level rapidly drops, the uncompensated groundwater hydraulic pressure may initiate additional landslides.

Can wet soil trigger landslides?

While rainfall-induced landslides can happen within minutes, the wet conditions that precede them can take several hours or days to develop. But many countries in high-risk areas lack the resources to maintain the extensive weather networks required to successfully observe these conditions.

Why would filling a reservoir potentially create the conditions for mass wasting?

Mass movements of reservoir-rim slopes can occur as a result of either Filling or drawdown of a reservoir. Filling a reservoir causes saturation of the earth mass composing the slope, with resultant reduction of shear strength related to increased pore pressures in the soil and rock.

What is landslide lake outburst flood?

Landslide Lake Outburst Floods (LLOFs) are common in the Himalayan river basins. These are caused by breaching of lakes created by landslides. The active and palaeo-landslide mapping along the Satluj and Spiti Rivers indicate that these rivers were blocked and breached at many places during the Quaternary period.

What is the effect of rainfall induced landslide?

Many rainfall-induced landslides transform into debris flows (fast-moving slurries of water, soil, and rock) as they travel down steep slopes, especially those that enter stream channels where they may mix with additional water and sediment.

What do you do during rain induced landslide?

What to Do if You Suspect Imminent Landslide Danger

1. Contact your local fire, police, or public works department. Local officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.
2. Inform affected neighbors.
3. Evacuate.
4. Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

How do avalanches differ from other forms of mass wasting?

The first type of mass wasting is a rockfall or avalanche. Rockfalls are fast moving, dry types of mass movements. An avalanche, also called a debris avalanche, is a mass of falling rock, but also includes soil and other debris.

Which three conditions most commonly contribute to mass wasting?

Faults or other geologic structures that weaken the rock. Topography, such as steep slopes or cliffs. Climate, with large temperature swings, frequent freezing and thawing, or abundant rainfall. Lack of vegetation.