Part 4/14:
The core conundrum lies in the apparent absence of sufficient friction or lubrication, like ice, that could explain the sustained movement over such long distances. Earlier hypotheses suggested that ice might have made these slopes slippery, allowing landslides to glide effortlessly. However, recent investigations and models indicate that ice isn't always a factor. Instead, scientists propose that the key lies in the material composition of the flows themselves and a process known as convection.