Mass wasting Flashcards
What is mass wasting?
The downslope movement of rock and soil due to gravity
What is the angle of repose?
The maximum angle at which a slope can remain stable
How does water influence slope stability?
It reduces friction and adds weight, increasing instability
What type of slope modification by humans can lead to mass wasting?
Cutting and filling land too steeply
What is creep in terms of mass wasting?
Very slow, gradual downslope movement of soil
What distinguishes a flow from a slide in mass movement?
Flows move as a chaotic mixture, slides move as coherent units
Which event is associated with mudflows or debris flows?
Heavy rainfall or volcanic activity
What is solifluction?
Flow of saturated soil over permafrost
What are triggers for fast mass movement events like landslides?
Earthquakes and heavy rain
What role do plant roots play in slope stability?
They bind soil and help stabilize slopes
