Mass Wasting Australia

According to the textbook (Natural Hazards 4th edition by Keller/DeVecchio) Mass Wasting, otherwise known as Landslides is a comprehensive term used for any type of down slope movement of earth materials. In its more restricted sense, mass wasting refers to a rapid down slope movement of rock or soil as a more or less coherent mass. 

Types of Landslides:

• Falling landslide involves rockfall, and is characterized by individual rocks fall through the face of a cliff or other large vertical surfaces. 
• Sliding landslide is more of the typical landslide, either a slump, soil slip, or rock slide, and is the down slope movement of a large surface area of rock, soil, sand, etc.
• Flowing landslide is defined as a down slope movement of unconsolidated material in which particles move about and mix within the mass. 

Landslides in Australia:

Preparation according to https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/landslides 

You can protect yourself, your family and your property by doing the following:

• Before occupying a building, check with the local council and neighbors for the area's history of landslides or instability.
• In steep areas, look for the tell-tale signs of ground movement, such as trees tilting (down-slope), water seepage and breaks in the ground.
• If outdoors always heed warning signs, and avoid the tops and bases of cliffs and embankments, especially where there are signs of loose rocks or debris. Never stand or sit on rock overhangs unless you are sure they can bear your weight.

During a Landslide

• If indoors—shelter at the least-affected end of the building under a strong table or bench (if possible, use a mattress for extra protection). Hold on firmly and stay put until all land movement has stopped.
• If outdoors and a landslide threatens, move quickly from its path and keep clear of banks, trees, powerlines and poles

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