COASTS: Mass Movement

Question 1

What is mass movement?

Answer 1

The downhill movement (transport) of soil and rock under the influence of gravity.

Question 2

What is the classification of mass movement based on? (2 things)

Answer 2

1. How fast/slow movement is

2. How wet/dry it is

Question 3

How does rock type contribute to mass movement occurring?

Answer 3

LITHOLOGY…

• Relationship between different beds of rocks, permeable/impermeable.
• Fractures in rocks.
• Space into which rock material can move.

Question 4

How does weather/climate contribute to mass movement occurring?

Answer 4

Wet weather causes extremely slippery surfaces.
** E.G. WET WINTER OF 2000-2001 ON JURASSIC COAST there was a huge land slide due to slippery surfaces. Had major impact on property.

Question 5

How does rock structure contribute to mass movement?

Answer 5

Rock layers - dip of strata - where rocks that dip inland form more resistant coastlines. If the dip is seaward, rock slides are more likely to occur.

Question 6

When does wave action increase the likelihood of rock fall? (3 things)

Answer 6

1. High tide and storm conditions.
2. Waves break against the base of cliff and corrasion by flint and gravel undermines cliff base.
3. Cliff becomes unstable and falls occur.