Mass Movements: Petropolis, Brazil Flashcards
1
Q
What happened/impacts? (5)
A
- Disaster was due to a variety of physical factors mainly, but also the vulnerability of the population due to some socio-economic factors.
- 39 people were killed.
- 10,000 people made homeless.
- Disruption to the economy and education.
- Huge grief!
2
Q
What PHYSICAL factors led to the cause of the disaster? (7)
A
- Intense thunder storms in January 2011 caused the high mountain basin of the Cuiaba River to collapse, starting complex debris flow.
- Humid climate with a mean annual rainfall of 2,200mm.
- The area is tectonically unstable with many earthquakes.
- Impermeable rocks.
- Mountainous area, steep slopes.
- Slopes are strewn with many large boulders.
- In many places, vegetation is absent and in places trees do not develop deep roots which may retain the soil in heavy rainfall.
3
Q
What SOCIO-ECONOMIC factors led to the cause of the disaster? (7)
A
- Rapid unplanned urban growth.
- Population growth led to forest clearance and housing developments on slopes.
- Impermeable surfaces caused by residential land use and poorly constructed urban infrastructure.
- Proximity to river.
- Squatter settlements.
- Population of 300,000.
- Lack of rubbish collection, due to insufficient funds and rubbish discarded on slopes absorbs rainwater increasing the risk of slope failure.
4
Q
How many people were killed?
A
39
5
Q
How many people were made homeless?
A
10,000
6
Q
What is the mean annual rainfall?
A
2,200mm
7
Q
What is the population of Petropolis?
A
300,000
