Geohazards Around Pittsburgh
We may not have the earthquakes of California or the tornadoes of Kansas or the hurricanes of the Atlantic coast, but we do have the potential for landslides, flooding, subsidence and natural gas migration.
Landslides
Every year brings new examples of landsliding in Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Although many factors can contribute to a landslide, chief among them is the presence of Pittsburgh red beds, steep topographic slopes and water lubricating the failure zone.
The Pittsburgh red beds are a red shale and claystone rock layer that weathers to a clay.
Groundwater can saturate the clay to such a degree that it can not maintain its slope and begins to move downhill. On our hillslopes are examples of historic landslides that occurred before man arrived. And we have examples of landslides aggravated by the activities of man. Read a more in-depth paper on the characteristics and causes of landslides by clicking on the link below.
To view documents on southwestern Pennsylvania's geological hazards, click below.
LANDSLIDE NIGHTMARES - a fantasy
LANDSLIDE VICTIMS' ADVICE - personal tips
Want to contact other landslide victims? Send email to landslidevictims@Hotmail.com. This is a private individual seeking other landslide victims.