Mass Movement

Question 1

Name 2 factors affecting mass movement

Answer 1

1. Water content
2. Human activity

Question 2

Explain how water content affects mass movement

Answer 2

A high water content makes the scree heavier and acts as a lubricant. Soil particles separate and move downhill easier. 

Question 3

Explain how human activity affects mass moment

Answer 3

If humans undermine the base of a slope by undercutting, the slope becomes unstable and can collapse causing mass movement. 

Question 4

Name a type of slow mass movement, fast mass movement and rapid mass movement

Answer 4

Slow: soil creep
Fast: mudflow
Rapid: landslide

Question 5

Name two pieces of evidence of a slow mass movement


Answer 5

1. Telephone poles are tilted
2. Roads are undermined and have cracks

Question 6

Explain how a mudflow occurs

Answer 6

Mudflows occur when soil is saturated with water from heavy rainfall. The soil and water mix to form mud which moves rapidly down slope. 

Question 7

Explain how landslides occur

Answer 7

Landslides happen when a slope becomes unstable after heavy rainfall and earthquake or volcanic eruption