Question

In the Andes Mountains of South America, entire towns of thousands of people have been buried suddenly when water and loose materials traveled downhill as a viscous fluid. This type of catastrophic event is known as a:

a) Slump

b) Landslide

c) Rockfall

d) Debris flow

Answer 1

Debris flow is the type of catastrophic event where entire towns in the Andes Mountains have been buried suddenly. It occurs when slope material becomes saturated with water and develops a slurry of rock and mud that travels downhill as a viscous fluid, causing severe damage and loss of life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of catastrophic event where entire towns in the Andes Mountains of South America have been buried suddenly is known as a debris flow. This occurs when slope material becomes saturated with water and develops a slurry of rock and mud that travels downhill as a viscous fluid, picking up trees, houses, and cars in its path.

Debris flows can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or excess weight on weak slopes. They are a significant geologic hazard and can cause severe damage and loss of life.