Chapter 13: Problem 28

What are the classes of mass movement? Describe each briefly and differentiate among these classes.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Mass movements are classified into falls, topples, slides, flows and creep. Falls refer to the free-falling of materials from a steep slope, while topples involve a forward rotation of mass about a pivot point. Slides follow a distinctive plane of weakness for movement. Flows involve internal deformation of moving mass, and creep denotes the slow continuous movement downslope. Each is differentiated by their unique characteristics in movement and process degree.

Step by step solution

Understand the concept

Firstly, acknowledge the concept of mass movement or mass wasting, which is the geomorphic process by which soil, sand, regolith, and rock move downslope under the force of gravity.

Identify the classes

Identify the different classes of mass movement. These include falls, topples, slides, flows, and creep.

Define and Differentiate: Falls

Define falls as sudden movements of masses of geological materials, such as rocks and boulders, that detach from a steep slope and hurdle through the air. Set this apart from other classes by its distinct aspect of free-falling.

Define and Differentiate: Topples

Explain topples as the forward rotation out of the slope of a mass about a pivot point. The uniqueness comes from its type of movement - 'forward rotation' which is not present in other classes.

Define and Differentiate: Slides

Define slides as the movement of material along a distinctive plane of weakness. Emphasize on the distinct plane of weakness which differentiates it from others.

Define and Differentiate: Flows

Explain flows as movements that involve the internal deformation of the moving mass. Differentiate it by emphasizing on the internal deformation occurring in this class.

Define and Differentiate: Creep

Lastly, define creep as the slow continuous movement of material downslope. It is distinct due to its slow process compared to other faster mass movements.

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What are the classes of mass movement? Describe each briefly and differentiate among these classes.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the concept

Identify the classes

Define and Differentiate: Falls

Define and Differentiate: Topples

Define and Differentiate: Slides

Define and Differentiate: Flows

Define and Differentiate: Creep

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