Questions and Answers
What is mass movement?
Mass movement is the movement of earth materials called regolith down a slope under the influence of gravity.
Explain what soil creep is.
Soil creep is the very slow movement of soil, about 1 cm per year.
What causes soil to move downhill?
Water and gravity cause the soil to move slowly downhill.
Where can you find evidence of soil creep?
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What are bogbursts?
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Explain how a bog burst occurs.
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What are the effects of bogbursts?
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What are mudflows?
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What is a laher?
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What is a landslide?
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What causes a landslide?
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What are the effects of landslides?
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Mass movement is more likely to occur when the slope is steep.
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Name one type of mass movement.
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How does lack of vegetation cause mass movement?
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Does water or frost help to lubricate the regolith, making mass movement more or less likely?
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Study Notes
Mass Movement Overview
- Mass movement involves the downward movement of earth materials, specifically regolith, driven by gravity.
Soil Creep
- Characterized as the slowest form of mass movement, occurring at about 1 cm per year.
- Water and gravity contribute to this gradual soil movement, which alters landscape features.
Evidence of Soil Creep
- Observable signs include tilted fences and trees bending downhill.
- Formation of terracettes, natural steps on slopes.
- Accumulation of pressure can lead to collapsing walls; soil creep is faster at the surface than at greater depths.
Bogbursts
- Defined as rapid downhill movements of bog material.
- Triggered by heavy rainfall or land disturbance, such as vegetation removal for wind turbines.
Effects of Bogbursts
- Can create destructive flows of turf or peat, impacting houses, roads, and land.
Mudflows
- Described as swift flows of mud, often precipitated by heavy rainfall or volcanic activity.
- Can be caused by melted snow during volcanic eruptions, known as laher.
Landslides
- Represent rapid movements of loose rock and soil down a slope, often facilitated by factors like undercutting and coastal erosion.
- Heavy rainfall can loosen soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides.
Impacts of Landslides
- Can lead to significant damage by burying structures (houses, churches, schools).
- Pose risks to human life and can obstruct roads, complicating rescue efforts.
Slope Steepness and Mass Movement
- The likelihood of mass movement increases on steeper slopes compared to gentler slopes.
Vegetation's Role in Mass Movement
- Absence of vegetation allows soil to lose stability, leading to increased likelihood of downhill movement.
Influence of Water and Frost
- Water acts as a lubricant, enhancing the potential for mass movement by making regolith more mobile.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to mass movement, including definitions and processes such as soil creep. Each card presents a question that helps understand the different types and causes of mass movement. Test your knowledge on how gravity and water influence the movement of earth materials.