Readings and Articles
For this module, please:
- Read Chapter 10 (or Chapter 9, 4th edition): Slope Processes.
- Focus on the causes and effects of the Vaiont Dam case study, pages 343-344 (301, 4th edition).
- Understand the La Conchita case study as it relates to the text, pages 328-330 (page 288, 4th edition).
- Pay close attention to Sections 10.3 and 10.5 (9.3 and 9.5, 4th edition).
- Read Chapter 13, Section 13.4 (Chapter 12, Section 12.4; 4th edition): “Interactions between Surface Water and Groundwater” as it relates to sink holes and caves.
- Review Soils, especially Section 17.7 Engineering Properties of Soils (16.7, 4th edition) and the Factors of Soil Formation (Soils Module > Lecture > About Soil, page 2 of 8.
- Review Other Earth Components: Air, Ice, and Water Module > Lecture > Water Resources, page 10 of 10 and pages 443-444 (pages 395-396, 4th edition) of your textbook, the section on Karst Topography.
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Read this story: “Boulder Damages Equipment at Madison Dam.” You can either read this now or wait until it comes up in the Lecture.
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Peruse this article: “Rockfall Mitigation on I-70.” Look at the pictures in this article and read the captions. You don’t have to read the article, but the pictures will help you to gain an appreciation for the types of mitigation we need to employ to (try to) prevent rock falls. You can either peruse this article now or wait until it comes up in the lecture.
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Peruse this website: “OhioValleyLandslides.com.” Click on “What Landslides?” and read the article linked to this heading: “Road Building and Landsliding on the Cincinnati Hillsides.” This website hopes to “increase awareness and understanding amongst the public and professionals of the landsliding and geo-hazards of the tri-state Greater Cincinnati region of northern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and southeastern Indiana.” You can either do this now or wait until it comes up in the lecture.
Additional resources you may check out:
- Indiana Karst Conservancy Karst is the geologic term for areas prone to form caves and sinkholes. The Karst Conservancy works to protect caves and to inform the public about Indiana Caves. They manage several nature preserves around Indiana.
- Nature Conservancy: Indiana This non-profit group purchases, restores, and maintains unique ecosystems around the state of Indiana. They maintain numerous nature preserves, some of which include hiking trails.
In case you are bored this weekend:
- Want to learn more about the physics behind slope stability and mass wasting? Visit this Tulane webpage for a 200-level course by Dr. Stephen A. Nelson
- Visit Mammoth Cave National Park. It is located about 3.5 hours south of Indianapolis on I-65. During the busy summer season you should reserve your cave tour online. The Historic Tour offers a quick glimpse of a lot of cool geologic features. The park includes a huge backcountry area for hiking or goofing around. Canoe companies offer trips on the Green River.
- Visit Blue Springs Cavern in edford, Indiana (south of Bloomington). It’s the longest commercially operated cave tour in Indiana, and you get to see the cave by boat. Features include blind fish and blind crayfish.