Mass Movement Flashcards

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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?

Fences and trees bend downhill, terracettes form, walls collapse due to pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What are bogbursts?

Bogbursts are fast movements of a bog down a slope. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a bog burst occurs.

A bog burst occurs when the bog may be loosened by heavy rainfall or by removing vegetation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of bogbursts?

Bogbursts can destroy houses, roads, or land in their way. Signup and view all the answers

What are mudflows?

Mudflows are fast movements of mud down a slope. Signup and view all the answers

What is a laher?

A laher is when lava from a volcano melts snow and creates a river of mud. Signup and view all the answers

What is a landslide?

A landslide is a rapid movement of loose rock and soil down a slope. Signup and view all the answers

What causes a landslide?

Landslides are caused by undercutting, coastal erosion, earthquakes, and heavy rain. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of landslides?

Landslides can bury buildings and block roads, causing loss of life and rescue difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

Mass movement is more likely to occur when the slope is steep.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of mass movement.

Mudflow Signup and view all the answers

How does lack of vegetation cause mass movement?

Lack of vegetation allows the soil to begin to move downhill. Signup and view all the answers

Does water or frost help to lubricate the regolith, making mass movement more or less likely?

False Signup and view all the answers

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.