Final answer:
A mudflow with numerous larger blocks is called a debris flow. Debris flows are a type of landslide that involve saturated materials moving downhill, which can cause severe damage by picking up and transporting objects in their path.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mudflow including numerous larger blocks of material is known as a debris flow. Debris flows are a type of landslide characterized by a moving mass of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. They can be quite destructive, picking up objects in their path such as trees, houses, and even vehicles, often leading to blockages and flooding.
Landslides, including debris flows, are influenced by multiple factors such as the saturation of slope material with water due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the over-steepening of slopes by erosion, and the seismic activity from earthquakes. Regions with severe landslide issues include the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Coastal Ranges, among others in the United States.
It is crucial to understand the dynamics of landslides and their different types to mitigate their impact on communities and infrastructure. Debris flows are particularly hazardous because they can occur with little warning and can travel at high speeds, making them one of the most dangerous types of landslides.