Costa Rica Mass Wasting Hazards

Mass wasting is a comprehensive term for any type of downslope movement of earth materials (Keller 216). The most common landforms are slopes they are evolving systems where surface material if often moving downslope this process is call mass wasting. Landslides are often complex combinations of sliding and flowage. The forces that produce landslides are determined by the type of material on the slope, topography, and slope angle, climate, vegetation, water and time (Keller 218). 

The danger of hurricane season lies with the heavy rains that accompany this severe weather pattern which could result in landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services. Landslides and flooding occur mostly in the Atlantic section of the country. In November 2010 heavy rain caused deadly landslides that killed more than a dozen people and injured several others. Many roads were flooded or blocked by landslides.

There has been implementation of mapping out the risky areas in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Red Cross initiated a community training programme in disaster preparedness and prevention, community first aid and psychological support. The idea of the early warning system was put to the community on the understanding that the community itself would operate and follow through with this system. Establishing identification, prevention and correction procedures can help minimize the landslide hazards (Keller 236). Careful engineering practices can minimize the danger of natural slides. By identification grading codes have been put into place in order to reduce landslide damage. A drainage program lowers water pressure in slopes. It is expected that although preventions and procedures have been put into place, landslides are said to increase throughout this century (Keller 239). 

Sources:

• http://www.welovecostarica.com/costa-rica-landslides-watch-out/
• https://www.preparecenter.org/resources/landslide-early-warning-costa-rica
• Keller, Edward A., et al. Natural Hazards, Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes. Fourth Edition. 20