Video Courtesy of KSL.com
Geologic Hazards
Landslide on Arizona SR 87 Closes Highway
On March 21, 2008 a landslide caused the closure of Arizona State Route 87 between Payson and Phoenix near mile post 224. So far there are no official estimates as to the size, but based on aerial photos, it appears to be at least 50,000 sq-ft in plan. The offset at the head scarps was approximately 2-meters (6.6-ft) according to AZGS Geologists on site. It appears to have been a rotational slide as the toe of the landslide heaved the southbound roadway up by as much as 1-meter (3.3 ft). There was an existing soil-nail retaining wall on the slope that was destroyed by the slide as well. Lateral deformations can be seen in photos of the median barrier and the roadway striping. The deformations extended into the northbound lanes as well. More photos and links after the break. (Photo by ADOT)
Geologic Hazards
Recent Rockfall Stories in New Zealand, Colorado and Portugal
There were three fairly recent rockfall events with fatalities that made the news and caught my eye. State Highway 36 in New Zealand is still closed after a major rockfall occurred in Rotura. The photo […]
Forensics and Failures
New GEER Report for January 2020 Puerto Rico Earthquake
The Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association published their report last month on the January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico Earthquake. Here is the summary: A seismic sequence located along the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico […]