Mass wasting

Definition

Mass wasting refers to the movement of rock, soil, and other materials down a slope due to the force of gravity. This process can occur rapidly or slowly and is influenced by factors such as moisture, slope angle, and material composition. Understanding mass wasting is crucial for assessing landslide and subsidence hazards, as these events can cause significant damage to infrastructure and landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mass wasting events can range from slow soil creep to rapid landslides and are categorized into different types based on their speed and material involved.
2. Moisture content plays a significant role in mass wasting; increased water can reduce soil cohesion, making slopes more prone to failure.
3. Geological features such as steep slopes, loose materials, and weathered rocks are more susceptible to mass wasting events.
4. Human activities like deforestation, construction, and mining can destabilize slopes and increase the likelihood of mass wasting.
5. Mass wasting can have severe consequences, including property damage, loss of life, and disruption of ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does moisture content influence the occurrence of mass wasting events?
  • Moisture content significantly affects mass wasting by altering the cohesion of soil particles. When soil becomes saturated with water, it can lose its structural integrity and become heavier, leading to an increased risk of slope failure. This is particularly evident in cases of landslides where heavy rainfall saturates the ground, triggering rapid movement down a slope.
• Discuss how human activities contribute to the risk of mass wasting in vulnerable areas.
  • Human activities such as deforestation, urban development, and mining can greatly increase the risk of mass wasting. These actions often remove vegetation that stabilizes soil, alters natural drainage patterns leading to increased water infiltration, and disturbs the ground surface. As a result, slopes become more susceptible to failure during heavy rains or seismic events.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of mass wasting on coastal resilience engineering practices.
  • The long-term impacts of mass wasting on coastal resilience engineering include increased erosion, destabilization of coastal infrastructure, and alteration of coastal landforms. Engineers must consider these factors when designing resilient systems to mitigate risks associated with landslides and subsidence. Furthermore, effective management practices should integrate land use planning and slope stabilization techniques to enhance resilience against future mass wasting events.

Related terms

landslide: A landslide is a specific type of mass wasting event where there is a sudden and fast movement of rock or soil down a slope, often triggered by factors like heavy rainfall or earthquakes.

subsidence: Subsidence is the gradual sinking of the ground surface, which can occur due to natural processes like soil compaction or human activities such as mining or groundwater extraction.

triggering factors: Triggering factors are specific events or conditions, such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or human activities, that initiate mass wasting events.