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.