Avalanches Flashcards
What’s an avalanche
A mass of snow and ice that moves very rapidly down a mountainside.
What are some physical causes of avalanches
Heavy snowfall, small earthquakes, melting weakens the layers of snow and ice causing them to become unstable, spring sunshine, steep slope, recent snow, snow, melted snow that refreezes
What are some human causes of avalanches
People skiing/snowboarding can cause increased pressure on the layer of snow,
Trees cut down too
Explain how some of the physical factors create avalanches
The sunshine melts the snow making it fall down.
The heavy snowfall can build up and then collapse all at once.
The melted snow that refreezes turns into ice which is really slippy snow the snow can’t grip onto it to stay in place.
Explain how the human factors creates avalanches
The pressure form the skier puts a sudden pressure onto the surface causing it to break off and collapse. Makes the ice crack.
The trees cut down creates an uneven surface for the snow to sit on.
What are some ways to reduce the chances of an avalanche
Experts monitor the state of the snow.
Weather warnings can be issued for areas thought to be at high risk.
Wooden fences can be built on a slope to hold back the snow.
Trees hols the snow together.
Trees also break up smaller avalanches preventing them from becoming too dangerous.
Roads+buildings that are at high risk from avalanches can have sheets/slides built to protect them.
Brick walls in steep slopes to hold the snow.
Wedges behind electricity to protect electricity pylons.
Avalanche shed to protect railway lines
How do the walls on the slope work
Since the walls on the slope are at an angle, they hold a large amount of snow from falling down the slope.
This means only a small amount falls down the mountain. Since they are made of brick. they are strong enough to hold heavy amounts of snow
How do avalanche sheds work
The avalanche shed allows snow to fall down the slope in a small amount so that the railway doesn’t get submerged in snow and the slope doesn’ collect too much heavy snow ( it lets the snow glide over the railway)
How do newly planted trees work
They help form a barrier to collect more snow from going down to the buildings. They shield the village from the snow.
What can happen as a result of an avalanche?
Lives are lost.
Buildings get destroyed.
People are buried alive and injured.
