Exogenic Processes
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Questions and Answers

What is mass wasting?

  • The lateral movement of masses of bedrock, rock, debris, or soil driven by the pull of gravity
  • The upward movement of masses of bedrock, rock, debris, or soil driven by the push of gravity
  • The stationary state of masses of bedrock, rock, debris, or soil unaffected by gravity
  • The downhill movement of masses of bedrock, rock, debris, or soil driven by the pull of gravity (correct)

    • What is the driving force for mass wasting?

  • Shear resistance
  • Friction
  • Water
  • Gravity (correct)

    • What happens to soil when it is saturated with water in the context of mass wasting?

  • It becomes more solid and stable
  • It becomes less viscous and is more likely to flow downslope (correct)
  • It becomes lighter and less affected by gravity
  • It becomes more resistant to downslope movement

    • What is shear strength in the context of mass wasting?

    <p>The resistance to movement or deformation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of shear resistance becoming lower than the shear force in mass wasting?

    <p>The block will slide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary driving force for mass wasting?

    <p>Gravity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of saturated soil on its shear strength in mass wasting?

    <p>Shear strength is reduced due to increased pore pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of water in mass wasting?

    <p>Saturated soil becomes less viscous and more likely to flow downslope</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the driving force countered by friction in mass wasting?

    <p>Shear force</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if shear resistance becomes lower than the shear force in mass wasting?

    <p>The block will slide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Mass Wasting

    • Mass wasting, also known as slope failure, is the downward movement of rock, soil, and debris due to gravity.
    • Gravity is the primary driving force behind mass wasting.
    • The driving force for mass wasting is the force of gravity acting on the slope's mass.

    Water and Shear Strength

    • When soil becomes saturated with water, its shear strength decreases – meaning its ability to resist deformation under stress weakens.
    • Shear strength refers to the soil's resistance to sliding or shearing along a plane.
    • Saturated soil weighs more than dry soil, increasing the shear force acting on the slope.

    Shear Resistance and Shear Force

    • When shear resistance becomes lower than the shear force, the slope becomes unstable and mass wasting occurs.
    • Mass wasting occurs when the downwards force of gravity (shear force) overcomes the friction and other forces that hold the material in place (shear resistance).
    • Water plays a crucial role in mass wasting by reducing shear strength and increasing the weight of the slope materials.

    Water and Shear Resistance

    • Water can act as a lubricant, reducing friction between soil particles and further decreasing shear resistance.
    • As water saturates the soil, it adds weight to the slope, amplifying the downward force.
    • Saturated soil's reduced shear strength makes it much more susceptible to slope failure.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of exogenic processes in geology with a focus on mass wasting. Explore the concepts of downhill movement of bedrock, rock, debris, and soil driven by gravity, and learn about the factors influencing landslides and other forms of mass wasting.

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