Contrasting Case Studies Mass Movements Flashcards
What are mass movements?
Mass movements, such as landslides and mudslides, vary widely in terms of speed, material composition, and the conditions that trigger them.
What type of mass movement occurred in Ponzano, Italy, in 2014?
Landslide (Rotational Slip)
What was the date of the landslide event in Ponzano, Italy?
March 2, 2014
What was the speed of the landslide in Ponzano, Italy?
Moderate speed
What materials primarily composed the landslide in Ponzano, Italy?
Solid and cohesive clay-rich soils
What caused the landslide in Ponzano, Italy?
Prolonged and intense rainfall leading to increased pore water pressure and destabilization of the slope.
What were the secondary hazards resulting from the landslide in Ponzano, Italy?
Blockage of transportation routes and damage to underground utilities
How many people were evacuated during the Ponzano landslide?
Around 300 people
What was the economic impact of the landslide in Ponzano, Italy?
Extensive damage to property and infrastructure, costing tens of millions of euros.
What were the vulnerability factors for the Ponzano region?
- Steep terrain
- Clay-rich soils
- History of landslides
- Old buildings not constructed to withstand events
- Limited access to emergency services
What was the type of mass movement that occurred in Sierra Leone in 2017?
Mudslide
What was the date of the mudslide event in Sierra Leone?
August 14, 2017
What was the speed of the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
High speed
What materials primarily composed the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Loose, unconsolidated earth, including mud, debris, and water.
What caused the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Heavy and sustained rainfall during the rainy season, exacerbated by deforestation and unregulated construction.
What were the secondary hazards resulting from the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Severe flooding and contamination of water sources
How many casualties were reported from the Sierra Leone mudslide?
Over 1,100 people dead or missing
What were the public health impacts following the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases
What were the economic impacts of the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land, deepening economic inequalities.
What vulnerability factors contributed to the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
- Tropical climate
- Steep terrain
- Widespread poverty
- Deforestation
- Unregulated urbanization
What was the level of hazard perception among the Sierra Leone population?
Low awareness of risks associated with building on steep slopes
What were the preparedness measures in place for the mudslide in Sierra Leone?
Minimal preparedness with inadequate early warning systems and emergency response capabilities.
What critical lesson can be drawn from the mass movement events in Ponzano and Sierra Leone?
The importance of tailored disaster risk reduction strategies.
Fill in the blank: The landslide in Ponzano, Italy, allowed for evacuations that prevented _______.
fatalities
True or False: The mudslide in Sierra Leone highlighted issues of poverty, inequality, and inadequate urban planning.
True
