MASS MOVEMENTS
Mass movement - the transfer of loose rock debris or soil down a slope due
to the influence of gravity
- Also known as mass wasting
- Can be instantaneous or gradual
FACTORS AFFECTING THE NATURE OF MASS MOVEMENTS
Nature of rock material
• Loose
Amount of water • Weathered = moves
• Mass rock saturated easily
Angle of slope
with water - move
easier than dry • Gradient
• Steeper = more
unstable
Natural Earth movements
FACTORS Amount of rainfall
• Volcanic eruptions
• Creates flow
• Earthquakes = causes
material to be • More saturated =
unstable easier to move
Activities of people Amount of vegetation cover
• Footpaths and areas cleared • Exposed layer of rock will
for farms be more easily weathered
• Building will expose materials and eroded
- easily weathered
, TYPES OF MASS MOVEMENTS
Mass movement - the transfer of loose rock debris or soil down a slope due
to the influence of gravity
- Also known as mass wasting
- Can be instantaneous or gradual
FACTORS AFFECTING THE NATURE OF MASS MOVEMENTS
Nature of rock material
• Loose
Amount of water • Weathered = moves
• Mass rock saturated easily
Angle of slope
with water - move
easier than dry • Gradient
• Steeper = more
unstable
Natural Earth movements
FACTORS Amount of rainfall
• Volcanic eruptions
• Creates flow
• Earthquakes = causes
material to be • More saturated =
unstable easier to move
Activities of people Amount of vegetation cover
• Footpaths and areas cleared • Exposed layer of rock will
for farms be more easily weathered
• Building will expose materials and eroded
- easily weathered
, TYPES OF MASS MOVEMENTS
