Download Chapter 10 Section 4

Chapter 10 Section 4
Angle of Repose
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Mass movement is the movement of any material, such as rock, soil, or snow, downslope.
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Mass movement plays a major role in shaping Earth’s surface.
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Mass movement occurs when the slope of surface material is greater than the angle of repose.
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The angle of repose is the steepest angle, or slope, at which loose material no longer moves downslope.
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Characteristics of surface material, such as weight, size, shape, and moisture level, determine the angle
of repose.
Rapid Mass Movement
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The most destructive mass movements happen suddenly and rapidly.
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A rock fall happens when loose rocks fall down a steep slope.
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Steep slopes sometimes form when a road is built through mountainous areas.
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Loosened and exposed rocks tend to fall as a result of gravity.
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A landslide is the sudden and rapid movement of a large amount of material downslope.
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Landslides can carry away plants and animals or bury their habitats.
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A slump is the most common kind of landslide.
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Slumping occurs when a block of material moves downslope over a curved surface.
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Heavy rains, deforestation, construction on unstable slopes, and earthquakes increase the chances of
landslides.
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A rapid mass movement of mud is a mudflow.
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Mudflows happen when a large amount of water mixes with soil and rock.
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The water causes the slippery mass of mud to flow rapidly downslope.
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Mudflows commonly happen in mountainous regions when a long dry season is followed by heavy
rains.
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Deforestation and the removal of vegetation often result in mudflows.
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A mudflow can cover everything in its path.
Slow Mass Movement
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The extremely slow movement of material downslope is called creep.
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All rock and soil on slopes is experiencing some form of creep.
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Many factors contribute to creep.
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Water loosens soil and allows the soil to move freely.
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Plant roots act as wedges that force rocks and soil particles apart.
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Burrowing animals loosen rock and soil particles.
Mass Movement and Land Use
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Mass movement is one factor that must be considered during land use planning.
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Officials must determine whether an area is safe for certain uses.
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If poor choices are made, lives may be lost and property damaged.
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The effects of major mass movement events are usually unfavorable in the short term.
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Long-term effects, however, may be beneficial.
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For example, landslides may bring fresh minerals to the surface, which can form rich new soil.