Avalanche

Avalanche
 

News: India’s Border Roads Organization said the tourists were hit by the avalanche near the Nathu La mountain pass in Sikkim state. State disaster response teams and the military were assisting in rescue efforts.
 

What is an Avalanche?
 An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
 It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity.
 There are 3 types of Avalanches – Rock Avalanche, Ice Avalanche, Debris Avalanche.
 

Causes:
 Heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, strong winds, and rain can all contribute to avalanche conditions.
 The steepness, orientation, and shape of a slope can contribute to the likelihood of an avalanche occurring. Steep slopes with a convex shape are particularly prone to avalanches.
 Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and rockfalls can all trigger avalanches.
 The structure and stability of the snowpack can also contribute to avalanche conditions. Weak layers of snow or ice within the snowpack can cause it to collapse and trigger an avalanche.
 

How is Avalanche different from a Landslide?