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Debris Flow

Debris Flow

Objective: This worksheet aims to educate students about debris flows, including their natural causes, human contributions to their occurrence, and various protective and preventative measures, while also developing their comprehension and critical thinking skills regarding natural disasters.


Content and methods: The worksheet starts by engaging students with a video of a debris flow in the Swiss Alps, followed by a class discussion on what was seen, the meaning of "debris flow," and the video's setting. It then introduces tweets from a character named Amina, who experiences a debris flow during her vacation in the mountains, prompting students to reflect on their feelings in such a situation. The worksheet provides an informational text about a region prone to debris flows, discussing its geography, cultural mix, and a past disaster. Multiple-choice questions assess comprehension of this text. Further, the worksheet explains what debris flows are, how human activities (deforestation, building on steep slopes, altering rivers) contribute to them, and what preventative measures (planting trees, careful building, protecting waterways) and protective measures (retaining walls, catch basins, early warning systems) can be taken. True/false questions test understanding of these concepts. Finally, a word puzzle reinforces vocabulary related to debris flows.


Competencies:

  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Understanding of natural phenomena (debris flows)
  • Identification of cause and effect (human impact on natural disasters)
  • Problem-solving (prevention and protection measures)
  • Vocabulary acquisition


Target group: 7th-9th grade

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50 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

7th-9th grade

Subjects

Geography

Debris Flow

Debris Flow

Watch the video, then discuss these questions in class:

  1. What can be seen in the video?
  2. Have you ever heard the term "debris flow"? What does it mean?
  3. In what kind of region was the video filmed?

Now read what Amina has to say about her vacation in the mountains:

Amina @AminaLovesNature

Just reached the top of a snowy peak in the Swiss Alps with my parents! The view is out of this world! ❄️🏔️ #FamilyAdventure #SwissAlps

Amina @AminaLovesNature

Went sledding down a slope today! So much fun and laughter! Can't believe how fast we went! 🛷😂 #SleddingFun #BestVacationEver

Amina @AminaLovesNature

Built a snowman with my mom and dad! We named him Frosty Jr. ☃️❤️ This trip is the best! #Snowman #MountainLife

Amina @AminaLovesNature

OMG! A debris flow just happened near our cabin! 😱 Super scary but we're all okay. #StaySafe #NatureIsWild

Amina @AminaLovesNature

So thankful my family and I are safe after that debris flow. Nature is beautiful but can be so dangerous. #Thankful #SafeAndSound

Danger through debris flow

Now find out more about a region where debris flows often occur, and answer the related questions on the next page.

South Tyrol


Source: Harald Hoyer, CC BY-SA 2.0

South Tyrol is a stunning region in northern Italy known for its breathtaking mountains and picturesque landscapes. This area is famous for its mix of Italian and Austrian cultures, which you can see in its architecture, food, and languages. The region is nestled in the Alps and has a unique charm that attracts many visitors each year.

In South Tyrol, debris flows are natural events that happen quite often. These are fast-moving rivers of mud, rocks, and water that rush down the mountainsides, usually after heavy rains or melting snow. The steep slopes and loose soil make the region especially prone to these dangerous flows.

One of the most tragic debris flow disasters in South Tyrol happened in 1987 in the town of Valtellina. A massive debris flow caused by heavy rainfall resulted in the loss of many lives and significant damage to the town. Such events show how powerful nature can be and remind us of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.

In summary, South Tyrol is a beautiful yet occasionally hazardous region due to its frequent debris flows. Understanding these natural phenomena helps communities stay safe and better prepared for future events.

Choose the correct answer for each question.

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What are debris flows and how do humans contribute to their occurrence?

Debris flows are a type of natural disaster where mud, stones, and water slide down a slope. This can happen when there is a lot of rain or when snow melts. But did you know that humans can also contribute to the occurrence of debris flows?

How do humans contribute?

  1. Deforestation: Trees hold the soil in place. When people cut down too many trees, the soil can become loose and slide more easily.
  2. Building on steep slopes: When people build houses or roads on very steep slopes, it can destabilize the soil.
  3. Altering rivers and streams: When people divert rivers or streams, it can change the landscape and weaken the soil.

What can people do to prevent debris flows?

  1. Plant trees: Trees help hold the soil in place. More trees mean less risk of debris flows.
  2. Build carefully: People should be cautious about building on very steep slopes. If necessary, they can use special techniques to stabilize the soil.
  3. Protect waterways: People should try to change rivers and streams as little as possible.

Protection measures against debris flows

There are also various protective measures that people can take to shield themselves from debris flows:

  1. Retaining walls: These walls can be built on slopes to hold the soil in place and prevent it from sliding.
  2. Catch basins: These basins collect mud and stones before they can cause damage.
  3. Early warning systems: With special devices, scientists can predict debris flows. This allows people to be warned in time and seek safety.

By being careful and respecting nature, we can help prevent debris flows and protect ourselves.

For each statement, choose if it's true or false.

Debris flow word puzzle

Find 10 words related to the topic "Debris flow".