Geomorphic Engineering

Wave Erosion

Wave Protection

Slumping

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The owner of this property has showing signs of slumping.  Slumping is a mass wasting event that happens because loose materials or layers of rock move a short distance down the slope.  This typically leads to cliff-like slopes after a period of time.  Figure 1 shows an example of what the soil layers would look like after slumping took place.(figure 1)  Comparing figure 1 with figure 2 you can start to see the similarities that are presenting themselves on the property.(figure 2)  The steps that are shown on the picture are the same step-like features on the diagram which prove that slumping is taking place.  The small river that is flowing down the hill is adding to the slumping effect.  The water is increasing pore space which is making the land move that much easier creating a landslide effect.  Figure 3 shows the drastic elevation changes and the effects that slumping is creating.(figure 3)  If this effect continues untreated than the house is jeopardy of sinking down into the landslide potentially destroying it.  The owner has added rocks to the stream to slow down the speed of the drainage as seen in figure 4.(figure 4)  By slowing down the speed and adding larger rocks on top of the soil slow down the effects of the slumping.  You can only realistically slow down the effect in this situation because the area will still be saturated with rain water and snow melt through the year which will then still cause the slumping to happen.  Our advice to the land owner is to relocate their house before it starts to descend its way down the slope along with the land around it.

Figure 1: A diagram showing the effects of slumping on a landscape

Figure 2: The side of the property is creating step-like features
showing signs of slumping

Figure 3: The large slope that is forming along side of the house. 
The elevation change along with the slope indicates slumping

Figure 4: The rocks added to the drainage stream will help slow
down the steam and thus help slow the slumping effects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slump
http://earthsci.org/Flooding/unit3/u3-03-02.html

By Nick Johnson

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