give examples of ways in which human activity can increase the danger of mass movement

1 answer

1. Deforestation: Clearing trees and vegetation can destabilize slopes and increase the risk of landslides.

2. Construction activities: Excavation, land grading, and filling can alter the natural slope of the land, leading to increased risk of mass movement.

3. Mining: Extracting minerals and resources through mining activities can weaken the stability of the ground, causing landslides and rockfalls.

4. Irrigation: Poorly managed irrigation systems can saturate the soil and increase the risk of soil erosion and landslides.

5. Urbanization: Building infrastructure and settlements on steep slopes can increase the risk of mass movement due to the disturbance of natural drainage patterns and soil stability.

6. Defective drainage systems: Improperly designed or maintained drainage systems can lead to water accumulation and saturation of the soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides and mudflows.

7. Dumping of waste: Improper disposal of waste materials, especially on steep slopes, can destabilize the soil and trigger mass movement events.

8. Road construction: Poorly constructed roads or highways on unstable terrains can disrupt natural drainage patterns and increase the risk of landslides and rockslides.