Summary
The outermost layer of the Earth consists of different materials, comprising rock, soil, organic matter, and other earth materials that together are called regolith. This regolith forms by the breakdown of solid bedrock, through processes of chemical, biological, and mechanical weathering. In rare and dramatic instances, large sections of regolith and even bedrock may suddenly collapse and race downhill, in what is known as a landslide.
Landslides examines the physical characteristics of the regolith, as well as the consequences when regolith moves—either slowly or more suddenly in landslides and avalanches. This comprehensive resource also examines the formation of soil from regolith and underlying bedrock and discusses some of the hazardous elements that are concentrated in soils. With black-and-white photographs, a glossary, tables, and further reading, this helpful reference is an essential tool for middle and high school students.
Chapters include:
- Weathering and the Formation of Soils
- Hazardous Elements in Soils and the Regolith
- Water in the Regolith: Expansive Clays, Liquifaction, and Groundwater Pollution
- Mass Wasting Processes
- Undersea Landslides
- Landslide Disasters
- Reduction of Landslide Hazards and Damages.