Pronunciation: [ˈɛbuːə͡lmənt] (IPA) 
Eboulement is a French word that means "landslide" or "collapse". The correct pronunciation of eboulement is [ɛbu.lə.mɑ̃]. The IPA phonetic transcription indicates that the "e" sound is pronounced as "ɛ" and the combined "ou" sound is pronounced as "u". The final "t" sound is silent, as is common in French. When writing this word, it’s important to remember to include the accent on the first "e" to ensure accurate pronunciation.
Eboulement is a French term that literally translates to "landslide" in English. It is used to describe a natural geological phenomenon characterized by the sudden and rapid movement of a large mass of rocks, soil, and debris down a slope or incline. The term can be applied to both the actual event or the resulting aftermath.
An eboulement typically occurs in mountainous or hilly regions with steep slopes where the gravitational force acting on the materials becomes stronger than the cohesion between them. This can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, seismic activity, or human activities like excavation or construction. The sudden displacement of the mass creates a landslide, which can cause significant damage to the surrounding environment, infrastructure, and pose threats to human lives.
Eboulements can vary in size and intensity. Some may involve only small rocks and dirt, while others can involve massive boulders and create debris flows that can cover large areas. The force and speed at which the materials move during an eboulement can be highly destructive, eroding the landscape, blocking roads or rivers, and sometimes even leading to the formation of new landforms.
Due to the potential hazards associated with eboulements, monitoring and preventive measures, such as slope stabilization techniques or early warning systems, are crucial in areas prone to this natural phenomenon.
The word eboulement comes from French and is derived from the verb ébouler, which means to tumble down or to collapse. The word is formed by adding the prefix e- (indicating completion or intensification) to bouler, which refers to the action of collapsing or falling. Therefore, eboulement can be translated as a complete or intense collapse or a landslide.
