How Gravity Causes Landslides — Reading Comprehension

Gravity is a force that pulls everything toward the center of the Earth. It is the reason why we stay on the ground and why things fall when dropped. Landslides happen when rocks, soil, and debris slide down a slope because gravity pulls them downward.

Many hills and mountains have steep slopes. When the ground on these slopes becomes loose or heavy, gravity can cause it to move. Weathering and erosion make rocks and soil break apart over time. Rainwater or melting snow can soak into the ground, making the soil heavier and more slippery. When the soil cannot hold together anymore, gravity causes it to slide down the slope. This is called a landslide.

Landslides can be small or very large. Sometimes, they only move a little bit of soil. Other times, they can move huge amounts of rocks and trees, damaging roads and houses. In places where there are forests, landslides can knock down trees and change the shape of the land. People living near hills or mountains must be careful, especially after heavy rain.

Human activities, like cutting down trees or building roads, can make landslides more likely. When trees are removed, their roots are no longer there to hold the soil in place. Also, construction can weaken the ground, making slopes less stable.

Landslides are a natural part of how the Earth changes over time. Scientists study landslides to find ways to protect people and property. They use special tools to watch slopes and warn people if a landslide might happen.

Interesting Fact: Some landslides can move as fast as a car, while others are so slow you can barely see them happening!

What causes objects to fall?

What makes soil heavy and slippery?

What do landslides move?

Why do trees help prevent landslides?

What can make landslides more likely?

What happens after heavy rain on slopes?

Landslides are caused by gravity. True or false?

What does erosion mean?