Talajfolyások

Talajfolyások, often translated as soil flows or earthflows, are a type of mass wasting where unconsolidated soil and rock material move downslope in a viscous manner. This process is typically triggered by an increase in pore water pressure within the soil mass, which reduces its internal friction and makes it susceptible to gravitational forces. The material involved in a talajfolyás is usually saturated and can range from fine-grained clays to coarser materials like gravel and cobbles.

These phenomena are common in areas with steep slopes, high precipitation, or rapid snowmelt. The movement is generally slow to moderate, but can accelerate significantly under certain conditions. The characteristic feature of a talajfolyás is the lobate or tongue-shaped deposit at the toe of the flow, often with a hummocky surface. The source area is typically a scarp or headwall where the material originated.

Talajfolyások can pose significant hazards to infrastructure and human settlements located downslope. Understanding the factors that contribute to their formation and movement is crucial for hazard assessment and mitigation. This includes analyzing soil properties, slope geometry, hydrological conditions, and rainfall patterns. Monitoring susceptible areas can help in early detection and provide warnings for potential events.