MUDSLIDES By, Katie Buchmann Jamie Mello

What is a Mudslide? Predicting Mudslides Damages to towns Safety issues Future decisions Location’s of mudslides MAIN POINTS

Mudslides are a serious geological Hazard common to almost every state The consistency of the flow can range from watery mud to thick, rocky mud that can carry large items such as boulders, trees, and cars They can accelerate to speeds about 10 miles per hour, but can exceed 35 miles per hour

Flows from many different sources can combine in channels and the destruction is greatly increased As they flow down hill they grow in volume collecting additional sand,water,mud,boulders,trees,cars, and almost anything in their path When they reach flatter ground the debris spreads over a broad area cause major damage to developed areas

Mudslides are easily predicted Generally occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt Often worsen the effects of flooding, areas burned by forest and brush fires, or a lower threshold of precipitation may initiate mudslides Mudslides are often triggered by earthquakes which makes them warning signs

Locations Areas that are prone to Mudslides include: existing old mudslides, the bases of steep slopes, the bases of drainage channels, and developed hillsides where leach-Field septic systems are used Area considered safe are: relatively flat-lying areas away from sudden changes in slope, areas at the top of long ridges set back from the top of slopes, or places that have not moved in the past

Mudslides are common through out the Appalachian region and New England in the east The Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi Valleys in the Midwest All Mountainous areas of the West They are also common in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico

Safety Before a storm become familiar with the land around you Learn whether landslides and debris flows have happened there before by contacting local officials Watch the patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near your home Watch for any signs on land movement such as small mudslides or tilting trees

To protect your property you should make contract with a private consulting company specializing in earth movement for opinions and advice on landslides problems and on corrective measures you can take Also use caution when building your home on any slopes and places that is prone to heavy rainfall

Nationally mudslides cause up to $2 billion in damages a year 25 to 50 deaths a year Not much compared to other natural disasters Destroys: Homes, cars, and roads Damages