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Mechanism at the basis of avalanches discovered

12.01.2012

Researchers at Brandeis in collaboration with Duke University have revealed the mechanism at the basis of avalanches. Their study, published in the Journal Nature, explains how granular materials are transformed from a loose state to a solid state when force is applied at a particular angle, in a process known as shearing. Resulting from the breakdown of snowflakes, avalanches follow the same process. This information could potentially be used not only to further understand avalanches but also earthquakes and erosion, increasing possibilities for catastrophe prevention.

Photo (c) Washington State Dept of Transportation / Flickr