Riding the Storm - Landslide Danger

Discover The Wonders of Our Earth and the forces and life forms that shape our world with the Earth Science Series. Designed specifically for the middle and high school science classroom, this series introduces students to the various geologic forces and physiographic regions that have shaped our planet. A catastrophic 1982 rainstorm triggered 18,000 landslides in the Bay area, claiming 25 lives and causing $66 million n property damage. The combination of steep slopes, weak rocks and intense winter storms make the Bay area uplands an ideal setting for landslides. Landslides include both swift, potentially deadly debris flows and slower, but destructive deepseated slides. Students will learn what USGS scientists have discovered about landslide dynamics and which slopes are most susceptible to sliding. Discover the devastating stories of the Bay area residents and learn to recognize the danger signs.