Avalanches Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an avalanche

A

An avalanche is a massive snow and ice that moves very rapidly down a mountain side.

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2
Q

What are the physical causes of avalanches

A

-heavy snow fall
-small earthquakes
-melting weakens the layers of snow and ice. Turning unstable.

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3
Q

Human causes of avalanches

A

People skiing or snowboarding can cause increase in pressure on the layers of snow this can cause an avalanche

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4
Q

Ways in which to reduce the chances of an avalanche happening

A

-experts monitor the state of the snow.
-weather warnings can be issued of areas thought to be at risk
-wooden fences can be built on a slope to hold back the snow
-trees hold snow together
-trees also break up smaller avalanches preventing them from becoming dangerous. Roads and buildings that are at risk from avalanches can have shutes built to protect them

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