Ecological and Environmental Indicators

Mudslides Mudslides can occur at any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). And they can strike without any prior warning signs, making for a dangerous phenomenon. "Mudslides occur in all 50 U.S. states and can happen at any time – with or without rainfall," said Lynn Highland, a geographer at the USGS National Landslide Center. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, changes in groundwater levels, alternate freezing and thawing, and the steepening of slopes by erosion all contribute to mudslides. Construction and reckless modification of land – such as not draining an area properly before building on or near it – can also create the conditions ripe for a mudslide, Highland said. She added, that prolonged, intense precipitation and run-off can contribute to landslides, as can wildfires. Fires lead to mudslides because burning can kill the plant's roots. Roots hold soil together, stabilizing the land and ma...

Geotextiles As its name suggests Geotextiles refer to textiles related to earth or soil. When any permeable material is used with rock, soil, or earth it is termed as Geotextiles. The basic function of this technology is to prevent soil erosion to strengthen heavy concrete structures. This technology has not yet gained much attention in India but is widely used in many countries for the construction of bridges, roads, and railway tracks to improve its strength. Many researchers have viewed that this technology is not newly developed but is in use from past thousands of years. Formation of Geotextiles  Geotextiles can be formed of synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or a combination of the two. In the past Geotextiles were made of natural plant fibers while today are usually formed of synthetic polymers such as polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA), and polyamides (PA). Geotextiles made from natural fibers are less durable as they decompose over time. The choice of formation ...