LANDSLIDES
Landslides occur when a mass of earth or rocks slips down the side of a
slope. Earthquakes are common cause of landslides. Erosion caused by
rivers, waves, glaciers, or construction projects creates the steep slopes
neccessary for landslides.
Landslides may occur when water from rain and melting snow sinks
through the earth on top of a slope,seeps through cracks and pore spaces
in underlying sandstone, and encounters a bed of shale inclined toward
the valley. The water collects along the upper surface of the shale, which
it softens to form slippery clay. If the support is sufficiently weakened, a
mass of earth and rock slides down along the wall lubricated bedding of
shale.
 | On the 31st of July 1997 there was a terrible
landslide at Thredbo. Stuart Diver got stuck under a
big plank of cement. Many rescuers had to help him.
It took them 2 and a half days.
|
Research by Lauren and Natalie. 5/6M
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Elanora Heights Primary School Computer Co-ordinator : 
Judith Bennett
This page was last modified on 1st July, 1998
