earthflow

views updated May 29 2018

earthflow A flow of unconsolidated material down a hill-slope, normally resulting from an increase in pore-water pressure, which reduces the friction between particles. Flow velocities vary from slow, when behaviour is plastic, to rapid, when behaviour is more liquid, and reflect variations in water content. Dry flows may occur when an earthquake shock breaks inter-granular bonds.

earthflow

views updated May 08 2018

earthflow Flow of unconsolidated material down a hillslope, normally resulting from an increase in pore-water pressure, which reduces the friction between particles. Flow velocities vary from slow, when behaviour is plastic, to rapid, when behaviour is more liquid, and reflect variations in water content. Dry flows may occur when an earthquake shock breaks inter-granular bonds.