An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, typically occurring on a mountain. Avalanches can be triggered by various factors, including weather conditions, the weight of the snow, and the steepness of the slope. There are several types of avalanches, such as:
1. Loose Snow Avalanche: Starts from a single point and expands as it moves downhill.
2. Slab Avalanche: Occurs when a cohesive layer of snow breaks away from the underlying layer and slides down the slope. This type is the most dangerous and can cause significant destruction.
Avalanches can be natural, triggered by factors like heavy snowfall, wind, and temperature changes, or they can be human-caused, often by skiers, snowmobilers, or construction activities.
In addition to snow, the term "avalanche" can also refer to similar events involving other materials, such as rock avalanches or debris avalanches.
