Chapter 7 - Mass Movement

Question 1

What is the evidence of soil creep?

Answer 1

Fences and trees bend downhill, terracettes are formed, walls collapse because of pressure from the soil moving downhill, cracks appear on roads, and trees and telegraph poles tilt downward.

Question 2

What is a landslide?

Answer 2

A rapid movement of loose rock and soil down a slope. Landslides are caused by undercutting (wearing away of soil attune base), coastal erosion and earthquakes.

Question 3

What is mass movement?

Answer 3

Mass movement is the movement of loose earth materials (soil, stones, mud) called regolith down a slope under the influence of gravity.

Question 4

What causes mass movement?

Answer 4

Slopes, water (heavy rainfall), lack of vegetation (roots hold up soil) and people (digging and drilling).

Question 5

What is soil creep?

Answer 5

Soil creep is the very slow movement of soil (about 1cm a yr). It is the slowest form of mass movement. Water and gravity cause the soil to move downhill.