How to Move a Mountain

The Heart Mountain landslide in Wyoming is a geological mystery where ancient limestone moved over younger rocks, defying typical sedimentary layering. This massive landslide, possibly triggered by volcanic activity, traveled 45 kilometers at high speed. Scientists propose various mechanisms, including vaporized CO2 reducing friction, allowing the rock to slide. Similar events have occurred, like a 2009 landslide in China. Despite its rarity, such events may not be as uncommon as believed, as erosion often hides geological evidence.

What unusual geological feature was discovered at Heart Mountain?

• A layer of limestone atop much younger rocks

• A volcanic crater filled with water

• A large deposit of gold

• A series of underground caves

How fast did the Heart Mountain landslide move?

• At 1/3 the speed of sound

• At the speed of light

• At the speed of a walking person

• At the speed of a train

What is one hypothesis about how the Heart Mountain landslide occurred?

• A glacier pushed the rocks downhill

• A meteor impact caused the slide

• Volcanic activity created a frictionless surface

• An earthquake split the mountain in half

What phenomenon in 2009 is similar to the Heart Mountain landslide?

• A hurricane in the Caribbean

• A volcanic eruption in Hawaii

• An avalanche in southwestern China

• A tsunami in Japan

What can cause grains or larger solids to act like fluids?

• High temperatures

• Saturation with water or gas

• Magnetic fields

• Exposure to sunlight

Where else have massive landslides been discovered besides Earth?

• On Mars

• On Jupiter

• On the Moon

• On Venus

Why might super-sized landslides be more common than we think?

• They are often hidden by erosion and plant cover

• They occur only in remote areas

• They happen only underwater

• They are too small to notice