Socioeconomic and environmental impacts of landslides in the Western Hemisphere

Open-File Report 2001-276
By:  and 

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Abstract

In spite of improvements in recognition, prediction, mitigative measures, and warning systems, economic losses and casualties due to landslides in the Western Hemisphere appear to be growing as a result of increasing development of landslide-prone areas due to population pressures. This paper notes outstanding examples of socioeconomic losses in the Americas. Landslides impact the following elements of the natural environment: (1) the topography/morphology of both the subaerial and submarine surfaces of the Earth, (2) rivers, streams, forests, and grasslands, and (3) habitats of native fauna, both on the Earth?s surface and in its streams and oceans. Environmental disturbances are results of general tendency toward degradation of the Earth?s surface by gravitational mass wasting and erosion.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Socioeconomic and environmental impacts of landslides in the Western Hemisphere
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2001-276
DOI 10.3133/ofr01276
Edition -
Year Published 2001
Language ENGLISH
Description 47 p.
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