earthflow
Slow ground movement
An earthflow is a type of landslide in which saturated soil and rock move slowly downslope as a viscous mass, typically following heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
Unlike faster debris flows or rockslides, earthflows creep gradually, sometimes over months or years, though they can accelerate dramatically.
The movement often creates a distinctive tongue-shaped or hourglass pattern on hillsides.
The earthflow destroyed several homes as it gradually pushed through the neighborhood.
Stealthy, slow movement
- slow movementLeisurely pace of travel
- oozeSeep gradually out
- slippageGradual loss or decline
- glideMove with effortless continuity
displacement · deformation · subsidence · settling · gravity · continuous motion · acceleration · velocity
Scattered broken fragments
- sedimentParticles settling in liquid
- downslopeToward lower elevation
- slumpExtended period of decline
- geologyStudy of Earth's composition
landform · terrain · soil · clay · hillslope · drainage · deposit · lobe
State of complete permeation
- rainfallWater falling from clouds
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
- erosionGradual wearing away
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
deforestation · overgrazing · seismic activity · snowmelt · soil liquefaction · permafrost thaw · irrigation · loading
Harm to possessions
- infrastructure damageHarm to foundational structures
- mitigationReduction of severity
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- early warningAlert before event occurs
creep
Stealthy, slow movement
- slow movementLeisurely pace of travel
- oozeSeep gradually out
- slippageGradual loss or decline
glide · displacement · deformation · subsidence · settling · gravity · continuous motion · acceleration · velocity · flowage
debris
Scattered broken fragments
geology · landform · terrain · soil · clay · hillslope · drainage · deposit · lobe · toe
saturation
State of complete permeation
- rainfallWater falling from clouds
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
- erosionGradual wearing away
weathering · deforestation · overgrazing · seismic activity · snowmelt · soil liquefaction · permafrost thaw · irrigation · loading
property damage
Harm to possessions
- infrastructure damageHarm to foundational structures
- mitigationReduction of severity
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
early warning · evacuation · risk assessment · stabilization