Week 8: Hong Kong's Mass Wasting
Mass Wasting Mass wasting is a term that is given to any downslope movement of the earth's materials (which include debris, rock, avalanches, etc). The general term is "landslides" but this concept also refers to mudslides, rockfall, debris flows, and earth flows. Although it is sometimes triggered by a "transporting medium" such as water, wind, or glacial ice... these forces are not necessarily required. All that is needed is GRAVITY!😱 Variables in safety factors of slopes: Type of earth materials The role of slope and topography Role of vegetation The role of water The role of time Often times landslides are followed by a series of sliding and flows. The mass movement can start as one type and finish as another. When it is more than one it is called a "complex". Landslides are one of the most common natural hazards in Hong Kong. Due to seasonal rainstorms that it experiences, it triggers the chances for mass wasting to occur. Not only that, but ...