Consider the following features about a geographical phenomenon : 1. Torrents of snow and ice roaring down a steep mountain side 2. It is hazardous to skiers and mountaineers 3. It involves a mix of falling, rolling, sliding and flowing of materials Which of the following phenomena can be identified with the above features?

The geographical phenomenon described is an avalanche. An avalanche is defined as the sudden and rapid movement of snow, ice, earth, or rock down a steep mountainside [1]. Specifically, snow avalanches occur in snow-covered mountains and are considered annual catastrophes that pose a significant hazard to life and property, particularly for skiers and mountaineers [2]. The movement is characterized by a complex mix of falling, tumbling, rolling, sliding, and flowing of materials [3]. While debris avalanches involve rock and soil, the term 'avalanche' broadly encompasses these turbulent clouds of debris mixed with air that rush down slopes. Unlike slumps or simple rockslides, avalanches achieve tremendous velocity and often follow predictable paths known as chutes [2]. Therefore, the features of roaring torrents, hazard to mountaineers, and mixed movement types uniquely identify an avalanche.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > avalanches > p. 44
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Avalanches are commonly divided in the following categories: > p. 45
3. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > Landslide: > p. 50