Most natural disasters have an effect on the
earth's surface. Rock slides, erupting volcanoes, tidal waves and floods all
affect the shape of the land. Mountains are continually being built up and
eroded down in the slow rock cycle. Disasters are a small part of this cycle but
they are of interest to us because they effect us - their impact is immediate.
Maintained by Fema for Kids, The Federal Emergency Management Agency, USA
Mud slides often
occur because the natural vegetation has been removed from steep slopes.
When there is a lot of rainfall in a short period of time, the soil layer
becomes unstable and slides down the sides of mountains. Mud slides are
also common along coastal areas where the cliffs have been eroded away by
the action of waves.
Contrary to popular
belief, avalanches are not only made of snow. Avalanches are composed of
snow, ice, soil and rocks as well as vegetation like trees.