GEOL 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Mass Wasting, La Conchita, California
Document Summary
Mass on a slope is kept in place by a balance of forces. Any change in the forces may destabilize the mass and allow movement. Same forces as slides, but acting on individual particles. Stable slope of loose particles is the angle of repose. Amount of water may increase or decrease angle. Removal of vegetation (particularly trees) reduces strength by removing root cohesion . Shape of the land"s surface may provide evidence of past mass movements. Reduce driving force and/or increase resisting force. Use hazard mapping and zoning to prevent development in hazardous areas. Hardscaping - covering slope with rock or concrete. Small, unincorporated village north of los angeles. One in 1909 covered railroad along shoreline. Suffered a deadly mass wasting event in 2005. Residents insisted on a retaining wall at foot of slump. News crews arrived to cover the situation. Base of 95 slump turned into active flow. 31 homes destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
