Aman Park Landslide
When you arrive at the posted coordinates, you will notice that erosion has taken place. The erosion that has happened at the posted coordinates is the result of a landslide. "Landslide is a general term used to describe the downslope movement of soil, rock, and organic materials under the effects of gravity and also the landform that results from such movement."
There are several types of landslides. We will look at three. You can discern from your observations at the posted coordinates which type of landslide took place.
Debris Flow A form of rapid mass movement in which loose soil, rock and sometimes organic matter combine with water to form a slurry that flows downslope. They have been informally and inappropriately called “mudslides” due to the large quantity of fine material that may be present in the flow.
Earthflow Earthflows can occur on gentle to moderate slopes, generally in fine-grained soil, commonly clay or silt or sand. Earthflows can range from very slow (creep) to rapid and catastrophic.
Rockfall Falls are abrupt, downward movements of rock or earth, or both, that detach from steep slopes or cliffs. The falling material usually strikes the lower slope at angles less than the angle of fall, causing bouncing. The falling mass may break on impact, may begin rolling on steeper slopes, and may continue until the terrain flattens.
In order to log this Earthcache...
Please read the following questions and send me your answers.
- How big is the landslide area? How high? How wide?
- What initiated the landslide?
- What type of landslide occurred here? Support your answer.
- Do you think it happened rapidly, or slowly?
- Is it possible another landslide could happen at this location? Explain.
Sources:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/pdf/C1325_508.pdf.
I'd like to offer a huge thanks to sgerb for help developing this Earthcache.
While photos of your adventures are always welcome, please do not include photos of the landside so that everyone has the opportunity to discover this site on their own. Consider a selfie at the bridge or catch some of the local flora or fauna.
CAUTION: Please do not approach this site directly from the east. The terrain can be dangerous and you will not be able to get a clear appreciation of the feature. Approach from the trailhead coordinates and stay on the trail.
Aman Park managed by the City of Grand Rapids. It is open from dawn to dusk. No night caching.
Congratulations to AddHam and laker91, the first to visit this Earthcache!