Landslides

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A debris flow is a concentrated mixture of water and soil, with poorly sorted rock debris, and other material.  Particles of the flows range from clay to boulder size.  Debris flows are considered the most deadly form of mass wasting because of its poor predictability and its ability to destroy anything in its path.  The difference between a debris flow and a landslide is that the landslide is slower moving.  It may take days, months, or years to see the effect of landslides. The reason Southern California is susceptible to debris flows is the arid weather and occasional storms that cause instability in the soil.  The increase of precipitation in dry soil on steep slopes creates a prime location for a debris flow.

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References and Links:

USGS Landslide Webpage
Olshansky, R.B., (1990).  Landslide Hazard in the United States.  New York:  Garland Publishing, Inc.

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Created by:  Scott Schoefernacker
Last Updated:  December 2003