Slope

Question 1

Slope use 1

Answer 1

measurement of inclination of the surface and can be a slope angle in degrees

Question 2

Slope gradient

Answer 2

usually expressed as the ratio of rise over run 1:7 or as a % which is rise/run X 100

Question 3

Slope use 2

Answer 3

denote landform elements and usually involves a description of slope shape, character, to denote a change in slope shapes.

Question 4

Slope shape

Answer 4

straight, concave, convex

Question 5

Slope character

Answer 5

steep, gentle

Question 6

Importance of slope description

Answer 6

all landforms are composed of sloping surfaces; the description of slope characteristics is an important part of slope studies= why we do slope profiless

Question 7

Slope decline

Answer 7

steep upper slopes erode more rapidly

Question 8

Slope replacement

Answer 8

steeper slope replaced by gentler slope

Question 9

Parallel retreat

Answer 9

controlling variables are geology, climate and time

Question 10

Shear stress

Answer 10

downslope component of the total stress involved

Question 11

normal stress

Answer 11

perpendicular component

Question 12

On a slope, the force of gravity can be resolved into 2 components

Answer 12

1. component acting perpendicular to the slope (normal stress)
2. component acting tangential to the slope (shear stress)

Question 13

If ground surface is not horizontal

Answer 13

component of gravity will tend to pull the soil down slope

Question 14

if component of gravity is large enough

Answer 14

soil internal shear strength is small enough, a slope failure can occur

Question 15

Factors affecting slope stability

Answer 15

increases in shear stress/ decreases shear strength

Question 16

Increases in shear stress

Answer 16

• removal of lateral support, steepening
• addition of mass
• regional tilting
• lateral pressure
• earthquakes

Question 17

Decreases shear strength

Answer 17

• weathering
• increased pore water pressure
• structural changes