Why in News?

• A massive Avalanche has recently hit Sikkim’s Nathu La.

Highlights

• An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
• It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity.
• Many regions that are prone to avalanches have specialized teams that monitor and control avalanche risks by using various methods such as explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures.
• Rock Avalanches (which consist of large segments of shattered rock),
• Ice Avalanches (which typically occur in the vicinity of a glacier),
• Debris Avalanches (which contain a variety of unconsolidated materials, such as loose stones and soil).
• Avalanches and landslides are both types of mass movements, but they occur in different environments and involve different materials.
• An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope, while a landslide is a movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope or cliff.
• Avalanches typically occur in mountainous areas that have heavy snowfall and steep slopes.
• On the other hand, landslides can occur in a wide range of environments and can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activity.
• Both avalanches and landslides can be dangerous and potentially deadly, and it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid them.