MUDFLOWS
Mudflows: Flows are mass movements of Earth's materials that flow as if they were a thick liquid. They can flow very slow (few centimeters per year) to very fast (hundreds of kilometers per hour.) Mudflows are swiftly moving mixture of mud and water. These are very common in areas with little vegetation, this is because there is no vegetaion to hold the soil in place. Mudflows are distructive in areas where urban development has spread to the base of mountainous areas.
Why does this happen: Mudflows technically occurs when rivers of rock, earth , or other debris are saturated with water. Mudflows can be triggered by earthquakes (similar
vibrations) and common in volcanic regions;Also by long periods of rainfall.
Earthquakes:
Earthquakes could also be a reason of mudslides bceasue it can cause the movement of tectonic plates that moves the layers of land
Volcanic effects:
When a volcanoe erupts, the heat melts the ice and snow into water and runs down nearby slopes that have little vegetation. It picks up sediments depending on the amount of water.
Rainfall:
heavy rainfall for long periods of time onto a land with no vegetation can cause mudflows because the soil is so loose which means it does a bad job of holding sediments in place.
Why does this happen: Mudflows technically occurs when rivers of rock, earth , or other debris are saturated with water. Mudflows can be triggered by earthquakes (similar
vibrations) and common in volcanic regions;Also by long periods of rainfall.
Earthquakes:
Earthquakes could also be a reason of mudslides bceasue it can cause the movement of tectonic plates that moves the layers of land
Volcanic effects:
When a volcanoe erupts, the heat melts the ice and snow into water and runs down nearby slopes that have little vegetation. It picks up sediments depending on the amount of water.
Rainfall:
heavy rainfall for long periods of time onto a land with no vegetation can cause mudflows because the soil is so loose which means it does a bad job of holding sediments in place.
Damages caused...
Mudflows are capable for destroying homes, they wash out roads, bridges. Mudflows take everything in their path including trees, cars and obstructing roadways. Even when one has passed, it leaves thick deposits of mud behind and everything is either destroyed or buried.
How to protect yourself..
You should always have a family plan if you live in an area where mudflows occur highly. Make sure you have contact with local authorities about emergencies. Listen for T.V or Radio warnings. Be aware of increasing/decreasing in water levels. Listen out for sounds that might indicate mudslides and careful when driving.