USGS Launches Landslide Website

By: Erik Skindrud

Landslides occur in all 50 states and are the focus of a new U.S. Geological Survey website.

The U.S. Geological Survey has a new website that offers regularly-updated information on precipitation, fires and other factors affecting landslides.

The site was launched after California slides garnered national attention this winter. Some of the data focuses on the California slides, but the site also features links to searchable academic references and the National Landslide Hazards Program and the National Landslide Information Center. There is also a "real-time monitoring" link for active landslide zones.

The site's address is https://landslides.usgs.gov

The following text is from the website.

Landslides, including debris flows, are a national problem. They occur in significant numbers in all 50 states and are widespread in the U.S. island territories. Landslides disrupt communities and lifelines, transportation corridors, fuel and energy conduits, and communication linkages. It is estimated that landslide-related fatalities average from 25 to 50 per year, and that direct and indirect economic costs to the nation range up to $2 billion per year. The Pacific Coast, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains are particularly susceptible to the effects of landsliding.

The Landslides Hazards Group conducts research, gathers information, responds to emergencies and disasters, and produces scientific reports and other products for a broad-based user community. The group provides the results of investigations to private consultants in geology and geotechnical engineering, and to government planners and decision makers.

The National Landslide Information Center is responsible for distributing information about landslides to the lay public, researchers, planners, and local, state, and federal agencies. The NLIC provides a toll-free number (1-800-654-4966) and a webpage, whereby anyone can make inquiries about landslides.