Rockfall involves the free-falling movement of rock debris down a steep slope or cliff. Typically, rockfalls occur when detached pieces of rock break away due to physical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles or root growth, or due to increased stress on the rock.
Characteristics of rockfall include:
- Free falling motion: The rocks fall freely through the air, sometimes bouncing down the slope.
- Accumulation of debris: Fallen rocks often collect at the base of slopes, forming a talus.
Rockfalls can be sudden and occur without warning, posing hazards to people, wildlife, and infrastructure located below steep slopes or cliffs. Monitoring and maintaining rock stability in high-risk areas are crucial to safeguarding lives and properties from unexpected rockfall events.