Mass Wasting: Prevention & Alerting the Public

Mass wasting is a general term encompassing any type of earth material that creates a rapid down slope movement. This can come in the form of rock, soil, and avalanches. In Iceland, the natural hazard that many residents are at risk for are avalanches. A set, comprehensive plan is in place for this natural hazard. Many residents of Iceland also face slush flows, landslides, and rockfalls. Icelandic officials, however, have yet to create a comprehensive model for these types of mass wasting and have taken a subjective approach to these hazards.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) is responsible for overseeing research into this prevalent natural hazard. They map out the hazard zone for each area, create emergency evacuation routes, and are charged with the task of building defensive structures against these avalanches.
What is of high concern to the IMO is how densely populated the 6 most vulnerable villages are for the occurrence of avalanches. There is an estimated 5000 people dwelling in these villages with an average of 2 individuals per year being fatalities of avalanches.

The IMO focuses on reducing individual risk in order to begin mitigating the effects of this natural hazard.
First, a hazard map was created for all 6 villages Neskaupstaður, Siglufjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Eskifjörður, Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík. They were tailored to each villages specific geography and measure of risk.

Communities then request a risk assessment from the Ministry for the Environment (MFE). This information is disseminated to the residents through local representatives who dwell in that particular community.

The IMO and MFE work to increase awareness for the risk of avalanches.

The IMO also studied the likelihood of homes being able to withstand an avalanche and noted concrete, reinforced buildings increased the chance of survival. Some homes are made of wood and this was noted to decrease the likelihood of surviving an avalanche. These findings were then disseminated to the public to bring an understanding of which dwellings were safer than others.

The public is also warned of impending landslides or rock fall where observed by the IMO. This information is broadcast through local radio and television. A key aspect of preventing fatalities is the IMO actively informing the public of any possible landslide/avalanches that may occur.

Nets in place to mitigate the effects of avalanches in Iceland.

Retaining wall built to protect village in Iceland. An effective solution against the effects of mass wasting.

Villages heavily impacted by avalanches and other forms of mass wasting. Though most villages experience this natural hazard, these villages are at a higher risk.


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Paddack-hyde, Jen. "Geology 9: Iceland." March 2016. N.p., 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.