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Chapter 15: Problem 7

If a large rock slide starts moving at a rate of several meters per second, what is likely to happen to the rock, and what would the resulting failure be called?

Short Answer

Expert verified
If a large rock slide moves at several meters per second, it can break down into smaller pieces due to friction, cause significant damage along its path, and potentially result in a landslide or an avalanche. The resulting failure would be called "mass wasting" or a "landslide."

Step by step solution

01

Understand the situation

A large rock slide is moving at several meters per second. We need to study the possible outcomes of this motion and determine what the resulting failure might be called.
02

Identify the consequences of the rock slide

When the rock slide moves at such high speed, several things can happen: 1. The friction between the moving rocks causes them to break down into smaller pieces. 2. The large momentum of the heavy rocks can lead to significant damage along their path. 3. If the rock slide reaches a certain slope, it may cause a landslide or an avalanche.
03

Recognize the type of failure

In this case, the resulting failure can be classified as a "mass wasting" event. Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of soil, rock, and debris due to gravity. It is commonly known as a landslide, which primarily occurs due to the force of gravity acting on a slope combined with the loss of soil/rock strength.
04

Summarize the findings

In conclusion, if a large rock slide moves at several meters per second, the rock can break down into smaller pieces due to friction, cause significant damage along their path, and potentially result in a landslide or an avalanche. The resulting failure would be called "mass wasting" or a "landslide."

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