Question

People build a road by removing material from a hillside, then a fire burns the plants in the area and later that year heavy rains fall for an extended period and then an earthquake occurs. this situation is _________ to produce a landslide.

Answer 1

The scenario with material removal, fire, heavy rains, and an earthquake creates conditions conducive to a landslide due to destabilization and soil saturation, which could lead to serious structural damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation described is conducive to producing a landslide. The removal of material from a hillside to build a road can destabilize the slope. When a fire then burns the plants in the area, it removes vegetation that previously helped to hold the soil together, further reducing slope stability. The heavy rains contribute to the soil becoming saturated with water, adding weight and lubrication, which increases the risk of a debris flow or mud flow. Finally, the earthquake introduces sudden stresses to an already weak slope, which can trigger a landslide. Landslides can cause serious structural damage, and understanding the contributing factors is essential for reducing risks.

the sequence of events, including material removal, fire, prolonged heavy rains, and an earthquake, creates a highly favorable environment for a landslide. The combination of these factors weakens the slope and increases the potential for mass wasting, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management practices to mitigate the risk of landslides in such vulnerable areas.