2006-08-18 06:34:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Water weakens slope stability by eroding the materal at its base (providing the water is level with the ground and not pouring down the slope).
2006-08-18 06:41:35 · answer #1 · answered by TwilightWalker97 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water diminishes slope stability considerably. Water in rainy days infiltrate into the ground displacing the air and increasing the weight of the slope and providing a good lubricant in the fractures that facilitate mass movement. In loose sediments it accumulates until saturates and if a tremor occurs it can trigger liquefaction causing massive landslides. Besides, clays in fractures and in the ground absorb the moisture and expand in volume diminishing the cohesiveness, providing good lubrication facilitating mass movement.
This is the reason why in most artificial slopes they put permeable tubes to drain the water out , preventing the collapse of the slope.
2006-08-18 13:56:34 · answer #2 · answered by Scientist13905 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water increases pore pressure which decreases normal force. Normal force is what holds the slope together, so less normal force allows slopes to fail.
Eroding the toe of a slope (by any means) is a seperate issue but does increase the likelyhood of slope failure.
2006-08-18 13:47:18 · answer #3 · answered by QFL 24-7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water undermines the situation, if you have any experience with house renos, think of underpinning the basement wall.
2006-08-18 13:48:57 · answer #4 · answered by Auggie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would need to consider soil types, gradient and of course vegetation to answer this.
2006-08-19 02:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Ozzie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋