What is an Avalanche?
Definition
An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, rock, or debris down a slope. It is a type of mass movement, which is any down-slope movement of a large amount of material.
Causes
Avalanches are typically caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Heavy snowfall
- Wind-driven snow accumulation
- Rapid気温上昇
- Earthquakes
- Human activity (such as skiing or snowmobiling)
Types
There are two main types of avalanches:
- Dry avalanches are composed of loose snow and can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
- Wet avalanches are composed of wet snow and can travel at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Effects
Avalanches can have a devastating impact on people and property. They can destroy homes, businesses, and infrastructure. They can also cause injuries and death.
Prevention
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent avalanches, including:
- Avoiding avalanche-prone areas
- Educating people about the risks of avalanches
- Installing avalanche barriers
- Conducting avalanche control
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