Landslides
Landslides are large masses of rock, soil, or debris that slide down a slope.
Think of it this way
A tilted tray holds a stack of dry sugar and wet sand on top. When the tray tips more, the layers break free and slide down fast. The heavy wet layer drags the dry sugar along with it. This is how soil and rock break loose and rush down a hillside.
Explaining landslides by grade level
Sometimes a big chunk of dirt and rocks slides down a hill. This is called a landslide. It happens when the ground gets too wet or too heavy to stay in place. Rain can soak into the dirt and make it slippery. Then gravity pulls everything downhill. Landslides can move trees, roads, and even houses.