What is a Landslide and what causes one?

A landslide is a geological phenomenon involving the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope. Landslides can vary in size and speed, ranging from slow-moving, small-scale shifts to large, fast-moving masses.

Causes of Landslides
Landslides are caused by a variety of factors, often in combination, including:

Geological Factors:

Weak or fractured materials: Certain types of soil, rock, or other geological materials may be more prone to landslides due to their weak structure or composition.
Slope gradient: Steeper slopes are more susceptible to landslides due to the increased force of gravity acting on the slope materials.
Hydrological Factors:

Water saturation: Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or the presence of water bodies can saturate soil and rock, reducing their stability and making them more prone to sliding.
Erosion: Running water can erode the base or sides of a slope, weakening it and making it more likely to collapse.
Seismic Activity:

Earthquakes: The shaking and ground movement caused by earthquakes can trigger landslides, especially in areas with steep slopes or loose materials.
Human Activity:

Construction: Excavation, road building, mining, and other construction activities can destabilize slopes.
Deforestation: The removal of vegetation, which helps stabilize the soil with root systems, can increase the likelihood of landslides.
Other Natural Factors:

Volcanic activity: Volcanic eruptions can cause landslides by melting ice and snow or by depositing volcanic ash that may become water-saturated and unstable.
These factors can act individually or in combination, leading to the destabilization of a slope and causing a landslide.