home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
/
Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
/
A
/
Avalanche
/
INFOTEXT
< prev
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-09-03
|
484b
|
14 lines
An avalanche is the falling of a mass of snow
and ice down a steep slope. Avalanches occur
because of the unstable nature of snow masses
in mountain areas. Changes of temperature,
sudden sound, or earth-borne vibrations may
trigger an avalanche, particularly on slopes
of more than 30°. The snow compacts into ice
as it moves, and rocks may be carried along,
adding to the damage and danger caused.
Avalanches are particularly hazardous in ski
resort areas.
Subject by: Vince Pike