Mass Movement [U1]

Question 1

Define “Mass Movement”

Answer 1

Large scale movement of the Earth’s surface that are not accompanied by a moving agent.

Question 2

What are Mass Movements categorised by?

Answer 2

Type of Movement (flows, slides, slumps)
Speed
Water content (how dry/wet)
Type of material (snow, mud, rock)

Question 3

What are some ways a slope can fail?

Answer 3

• There is a decrease in resistance of slope (shear strength)
• There is an increase in force pulling material down (Shear Stress)

Question 4

What are some things that cause a decrease in shear stress?

Answer 4

• Weathering of rocks
• Increase in pore and water saturation
• Change of slope structure
• Animal/Plant activity

Question 5

What are some things that cause in increase in shear strength?

Answer 5

• Undercutting/slope steepening
• Increased weight on slope
• Earthquakes and erosion