Mass Movement - SS3 Geography Lesson Note

Mass movement, also known as mass wasting, refers to the downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris under the influence of gravity. Mass movement can be categorized into various types based on the nature of movement and the materials involved. Some common types of mass movement include:

 

a. Landslides: These are rapid, downslope movements of rock, soil, and debris. Landslides can be triggered by heavy rainfall, earth a. Landslides:  quakes, or human activities. They vary in scale from small rockfalls to large, destructive events.

 

b. Mudslides: Mudslides involve the movement of water-saturated soil and debris downhill. They are often triggered by heavy rainfall in areas with steep terrain.

 

c. Creep: Creep is a slow, continuous movement of soil and regolith (loose rock and soil) downhill. It's typically imperceptible over short periods but can lead to significant landscape changes over time.

 

d. Rockfalls: Rockfalls are sudden, free-fall movements of rocks from cliffs or steep slopes. They can occur due to the weathering of rock and the force of gravity.