Landslides in Virginia

LIDAR reveals an active landslide along US 460 west of Narrows (Giles County)

LIDAR reveals an active landslide along US 460 west of Narrows (Giles County)
LIDAR reveals an active landslide along US 460 west of Narrows (Giles County)
Source: US Geological Survey (USGS), The National Map

Geologists identify five types of landslides, where rocks, debris or earth move down a slope: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. Gravity is always a factor is moving material down a slope. Landslides are where a distinct mass moves at a faster rate than the adjacent material. The movement can be quick like a rockfall, or occur as a slow shift of a slice of a hillside.

Earthquakes and hurricanes can trigger landslides. Climate change can result in freezing and thawing cycles that cause a mass to move downslope gradually. Shifts in groundwater flow can initiate and halt landslides. Erosion by a stream undercutting a mass of rock, or by construction of a highway/railroad, can initiate "mass wasting" and force expensive repairs to clear clots of dirt/rock that clog a transportation artery.1

Climate of Virginia

Glaciers and Ice Ages in Virginia

Links

References

1. "What is a landslide and what causes one?," US Geological Survey (USGS), https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-landslide-and-what-causes-one?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products (last checked April 25, 2022)


Rocks and Ridges - The Geology of Virginia
Virginia Places