10.4: Activity 10C - Mass Wasting in California
- Page ID
- 14829
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- Watch this video highlighting mass wasting in Yosemite National Park.
- Which mass wasting type is common in Yosemite?
- What is one of the likely causes of mass wasting in the park? Hint: consider the rock type and appearance.
- How does the park geologist determine which boulders are older vs. younger?
- Navigate to this USGS page, and watch a GIF illustrating the Mud Creek landslide which impacted Highway-1 between 2017-2018. What type of landslide does this appear to be?
- How can you tell?
- Open the browser version of Google Earth and fly to 34°21'53.78"N, 119°26'41.90"W. Zoom out to an eye altitude (Camera) of 1,800 ft. What type of mass wasting is this?
- How can you tell?
- This area has experienced two major mass wasting in the last 30 years (1995 and 2005). Does the area appear stable?
- Why or why not?
- Next, fly to Portuguese Bend, CA. You will need to zoom in and out and move along the coast here. Does the area appear stable?
- What features or signs support your conclusion?