The wetting and drying of the uppermost ground material results in alternate expansion and contraction with gravity pulling the contracting Earth downward. The term includes mudslides, debris flow, debris avalanches, rock falls, and rock slides.
Landslides usually occur with another natural hazard, such as an earthquake or flooding.
Public and private economic losses from landslides include replacing and repairing damaged facilities, loss of productivity, disruption of utility and transportation systems, and reduction in property values. A severe landslide can cause great financial hardship to a property owner because many do not obtain earthquake insurance.