Slope processes/management

Question 1

Aggradational

Answer 1

Describes depositional slopes

Question 2

Degradational

Answer 2

Describes erosional slopes

Question 3

Regolith

Answer 3

The irregular cover of loose rock debris that covers the earth

Question 4

Mass movement

Answer 4

Mass movement is the large scale movement of materials on a hillslope, mass movement is caused when the stress exerted exceeds the internal strength of the hillslope, causing instability.

Question 5

Sheetwash

Answer 5

Sheetwash is a type of overland flow where a shallow sheet of water flows over the surface of the slope, causing the top layers of the slope to be transported downhill. This occurs when water cannot infiltrate into the soil, therefore flowing over it instead.

Question 6

Rainsplash

Answer 6

When rain hits a surface, the impact of rain droplets can be enough to DISPLACE the soil particles and DETACH them from the rest of the ground. As the water hits the slope, the force of gravity causes the water and the displaced soil granules to move downhill.

Question 7

Rills

Answer 7

Rills are small streams that develop by erosive flowing water. They often develop on slopes, as water flows down due to gravity. Overtime, rills can develop into large ravines known as gullies. Huge amounts of soil and nutrients are washed away through this movement of water.

Question 8

What is pinning used for?

Answer 8

Pinning is used to attach wire nets (or sometimes concrete blocks) to a rock face or slope so that the risk of rock falls is reduced or the risk of erosion is reduced.

Question 9

What is netting?

Answer 9

Netting may help collect fragments of scree, which can be safely removed at a later date. This is often used in areas where tourism is important, and where the risk of rock fall is high.

Question 10

What is grading?

Answer 10

Grading refers to the re-profiling of slopes so that they become more stable.