Mass Wasting

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What is mass wasting?

The downward movement of rock, soil, and debris due to gravity (correct)

The upward movement of rocks and soil on a mountain slope

The horizontal movement of rocks and soil at the base of a mountain

The erosion caused by wind and rain on a mountain

Why does mass wasting occur?

Because of strong winds eroding the mountain

When gravitational forces overcome resistive forces holding the mountain together (correct)

Because of excessive vegetation on the mountain

Due to the growth of the mountain

How does slope steepness affect mass wasting?

It has no impact on mass wasting

It decreases the chances of mass wasting

It increases the likelihood of mass wasting (correct)

It causes rocks to flow uphill

What effect does excessive rainfall have on mass wasting?

Weakens the mountain's ability to resist gravity Signup and view all the answers

How does mass wasting differ in different mountains?

Some mountains have rocks falling like a fluid while others slide down in defined units Signup and view all the answers

What role does gravity play in mass wasting?

Gravity overcomes resistive forces causing downward movement of materials Signup and view all the answers

Which factor makes a hillside more prone to mass wasting?

Too much water weakening the hillside's resistance Signup and view all the answers

What happens to soil particles when there is too much rain or water on a mountain slope?

They break apart and lose their bond. Signup and view all the answers

Why are mountain slopes with decreased vegetation more susceptible to mass wasting?

They lack a protective plant covering above ground and anchoring roots below ground. Signup and view all the answers

What can cause sections of a mountain to detach due to violent shaking?

Earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mass wasting involves the sliding of coherent rock materials along a curved surface?

Slump Signup and view all the answers

How is a rockslide different from a slump?

A rockslide moves in a more uniform direction. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a debris flow?

Movement of loose materials mixed with water down a slope like a fluid. Signup and view all the answers

What type of material typically develops an earthflow at the lower end of a slope?

Clay, silt, and fine pyroclastic material Signup and view all the answers

What happens when earthflows combine with moisture?

They ooze like an earthworm. Signup and view all the answers

Mass Wasting

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