Chapter 13: Problem 26

Define the role of slopes in mass movements, using the terms angle of repose, driving force, resisting force, and geomorphic threshold.

Short Answer

Expert verified

In mass movements, slopes play a vital role. The angle of repose refers to the steepest angle at which a slope remains stable. The stability of a slope is determined by the interplay between the driving force (gravity acting on the slope material) and the resisting force (strength of the material resisting movement). The geomorphic threshold is the point at which driving forces overcome resisting forces, leading to slope instability and mass movement.

Step by step solution

Define Angle of Repose

The angle of repose is the steepest angle to which a pile of unconsolidated grains will rest without collapsing. In the context of mass movements, it often refers to the maximum stable slope made from a specific type of material.

Explain Driving Force and Resisting Force

The driving force behind mass movements includes the gravity acting on the slope material. On the other hand, the resisting force includes the strength of the material itself that resists movement. The balance between these two forces determines whether a slope is stable or not. If the driving force exceeds the resisting force, a mass movement occurs.

Define Geomorphic Threshold

The geomorphic threshold refers to the condition at which the driving forces overcome the resisting forces, resulting in slope instability and mass movement. This could be due to factors such as precipitation, earth tremors or human activities, which can alter the balance of driving and resisting forces and trigger movement.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Define the role of slopes in mass movements, using the terms angle of repose, driving force, resisting force, and geomorphic threshold.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Angle of Repose

Explain Driving Force and Resisting Force

Define Geomorphic Threshold

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Energy Security

Geographical Skills

Globalisation

Living World

Challenges In The Human Environment

Superpowers of the World

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.