Problems with Erosion

MASS WASTING Landslides Mudslides/Mudflows Rockslides Creep Slump SINKHOLES COASTAL EROSION

Mass Wasting/Mass Movement The process by which soil and rock move down-slope.

Erosion; the process by which natural forces move weathered rock & soil from one place to another. Gravity

The material moved by erosion is called SEDIMENT. This may include pieces of rock or soil.

Mass movement happens when gravity moves sediment downhill Mass movement happens when gravity moves sediment downhill. Mass movement can be rapid or slow and is caused by gravity.

Landslides are the most destructive of the four types of mass movement Landslides are the most destructive of the four types of mass movement. Landslides happen when rock & soil slides quickly down steep slopes.

This is a picture of a landslide. A type of mass wasting.

Landslide- Brazil

Landslide- Washington

Landslide - Brazil

Landslide - Dominica

Mudflows are very dangerous Mudflows are very dangerous. Mudflows occur when water (as much as 60% of the flow), rock & soil moves rapidly downhill

Mudflow– Washington

Mudflow- Mexico

Mudflow - Seattle

Rockslide Rockslides are caused when rocks become loose and are pulled down by gravity. Rocks may become loose by the agents of erosion such as wind and water.

Rockslide- Brazil

Rockslide- Yosemite

Rockslide, Yosemite, California

Creep is very slow movement. Creep is often barely noticeable, you may eventually see the effects of the slow movement in telephone poles, fence posts & trees leaning at odd angles

Creep- California

Creep

Creep

Creep

This is a diagram of creep This is a diagram of creep. The hillside slowly slips over many years from water and gravity.

Slump occurs when one huge mass falls together. Occurs when a mass of rock & soil suddenly slip down a slope in one huge mass Slump happened when water soaks the bottom of soil rich in clay

In this picture the land has slumped into the road below.

Avalanche An avalanche is the same as a landslide but it is made of snow and ice.

This is a picture of an avalanche This is a picture of an avalanche. It is similar to a landslide with ice and snow instead of rock.

Erosion Other problems associated with erosion; Sink holes Coastal Erosion

Cave Formation United Streaming Clip

Cave formation http://www.uwec.edu/jolhm/cave2005/group4/Cave%20Formation.htm

Cave Features- Deposition United Streaming - Deposition

Some unusual formations Deposition

As the slightly acidic rain water passes through rock, it dissolves away calcite and enlarges cave passages. Cave formations grow as the calcite is deposited.

Stalactites

Stalagmites

Stalagmites and stalactitesin Lechuguilla Cave, New Mexico, USA

gypsum stalactites

Witch’s Finger in Carlsbad Caverns

Bottlebrushes form when Stalagtites are in water for extended lengths of time.

Columns

Shields

Helictites

Rimstone Pools

Gypsum Flower

Selenite Needles

Cave Pearls

Popcorn

Fine Straw Formations

Potato Chip Formation

Water slowly seeps into limestone and drips

Flowstone indicates a steady source of water over a long time period.

Sinkholes Forms when limestone dissolves and the roof or top of the cave collapses.

Sink Hole- Guatemala

Sink Hole

Sink Hole

Sink Hole – Western KY

Sinkhole Guatemala

More sinkholes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll_hCCPu0 -8

Coastal Erosion- California

Coastal Erosion- Alabama