Mass Wasting Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When considering mass wasting, which of the following factors is most influential in the downslope movement of weathered particles?

Water

Gravity (correct)

Oversteepened slopes

Removal of vegetation

Earthquakes

Which of the following responses are examples of how water can promote mass wasting? (Choose all that apply)

Water can saturate sediment, reducing the integrity of the slope and allowing it to move. (correct)

Waves and streams can undercut banks and cliffs, causing them to fail. (correct)

Water can infiltrate sediment, partially filling the pore spaces between grains and reducing slope cohesion. (correct)

When water is added to weathered particles, the mass of the sediment is increased, which can cause slope instability. (correct)

Water enhances the ability of vegetation to grow on weathered particles, promoting mass wasting.

When dry sediment accumulates, the angle of repose represents what property of the deposit?

The steepest angle at which those sediments can accumulate and remain stable. (correct)

The angle of repose is the angle at which sediment accumulates when slopes move very slowly.

The angle of repose represents cross-bedding in the sediment.

The angle of repose represents the angle the sediment maintains when undercut by waves and streams.

The angle of repose is the angle at which sediment accumulates when slopes move very quickly.

When sediment accumulates, the angle of repose can be increased by changing which of the following conditions?

Slight addition of water to the sediment Signup and view all the answers

Define mass wasting.

The downslope movement of sediment and rock under the direct influence of gravity. Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is formed when vertical incision by a stream is the primary process, with relatively minimal mass wasting.

slot canyon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly states the role of rivers and mass wasting in the formation of the Grand Canyon?

The Colorado River erodes downward, then mass-wasting processes move material from high to low areas, then the Colorado River transports material downstream. Signup and view all the answers

Over time, mass wasting causes __________.

Canyons to widen Signup and view all the answers

What rock type is the easiest for a river to cut through?

Shale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are classifications describing how rock and other material move downslope?

Fall, slide, slump, creep, flow Signup and view all the answers

What is mass movement?

Movement of material under the influence of gravity and water Signup and view all the answers

How is a fall different from creep?

Falls occur rapidly and in areas with high slope, whereas creep occurs slowly in areas with low slope. Signup and view all the answers

How are slumps and slides related?

Slumps are a type of slide but differ in speed and material cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mass Wasting Overview

Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of sediment and rock due to gravity.
Key factors influencing mass wasting include gravity, water, vegetation removal, earthquakes, and oversteepened slopes.

Water's Role in Mass Wasting

Water can saturate sediment, weakening slope integrity and facilitating movement.
Infiltration reduces cohesion by filling pore spaces between grains.
Increased mass of wet sediment may lead to slope instability.
Water supports vegetation growth, indirectly promoting mass wasting.
Undercutting by waves and streams can destabilize banks and cliffs.

Angle of Repose

Represents the steepest angle at which sediment remains stable without sliding.
Conditions affecting the angle of repose include moisture content; slight water addition can increase stability, while excessive moisture may reduce it.
Drying out sediment does not enhance stability.

Mass Wasting Classification

Types of mass wasting movement include fall, slide, slump, creep, and flow.
A fall occurs rapidly in steep areas, while creep occurs slowly in gentler slopes.

Mass Wasting and Geological Features

Vertical incision by a stream leads to the formation of slot canyons.
Rivers, through erosion, shape features like the Grand Canyon, aided by associated mass-wasting processes that transport material.
Over time, mass wasting leads to the widening of canyons.

Rock Types and Erosion

Shale is the rock type that rivers cut through most easily compared to conglomerate, limestone, sandstone, and cemented siltstone.

Understanding Mass Movement

Mass movement is exclusively driven by gravity, regardless of the presence of other factors.
Slumps are related to slides as they both involve the rapid movement of material down slopes, but the mechanics of each process differ.

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Description

Test your knowledge on mass wasting with these flashcards. Each card presents a question about the factors influencing the downslope movement of weathered particles. Perfect for anyone studying geology or environmental science.