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About
Landslides
What
causes a landslide?
A "landslide"
happens when gravity forces land downward, often due to
too much or lack of precipitation, runoff, or ground saturation.
The wetting and drying of the uppermost ground material
results in alternate expansion and contraction with gravity
pulling the contracting Earth downward. The term includes
mudslides, debris flow, debris avalanches, rock falls,
and rock slides. Landslides usually occur with another
natural hazard, such as an earthquake or flooding.
What
are a landslide's effects?
Public and
private economic losses from landslides include replacing
and repairing damaged facilities, loss of productivity,
disruption of utility and transportation systems, and
reduction in property values. A severe landslide can cause
great financial hardship to a property owner because many
do not obtain earthquake insurance.
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