CAMBRIDGE AS GEOGRAPHY - CASE STUDY: ABERFAN MUDFLOW

1. THE MUDFLOW AT
ABERFAN
EXAM CASE STUDY
AS GEOGRAPHY – ROCKS AND WEATHERING

2. SYLLABUS
This case study
follows precisely the
Cambridge AS 2019
syllabus requests for
the “Rocks and
Weathering” case
study.
Candidates must
study the impacts of
human activity on
slopes showing the
effect on the stability
of the slope, and
evaluate attempts to
reduce mass
movement.

3. ABERFAN
Where dumping occurs in populated places there is greater potential
for hazard.
In the case of the Welsh mining village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil,
the mismanagement of coal waste led to a devastating mudflow.
The disaster at Aberfan is an example of slope overloading.
The South Wales coalfield was one of the largest coal deposits across
Britain, with large thick deposits that could be accessed through deep
mines.
In order to access the desired seams much rock waste was removed but
with little space to put it in the narrow Welsh valleys, it was deposited
on high ground away from the surrounding settlements.

6. WHAT HAPPENED
On 21 October 1966, following high levels of precipitation and saturated soil,
rocks started to flow downhill.
Over 100,000 cubic metres of debris engulfed part of the town in minutes,
including a local junior school.
The disaster occurred at 9am, just minutes after the children had moved
inside. Of the 147 deaths 116 were children and five were teachers.
Just a few hours later and the school would have broken up for half term.
Great rescue efforts were made but only a few lives were saved.
The official enquiry blamed the National Coal Board for extreme negligence.
Since then legislation has been passed regarding the removal and storage of
waste material.