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Mass Movement

Explore the dynamics of mass movement, where gravity's force pulls sediment downhill. Learn about the variables influencing mass movement and how water plays a significant role. Discover the types of mass movement, from creep to avalanches, and understand their characteristics and causes.

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Mass Movement

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  1. Mass Movement

  2. Mass Movement • The force of gravity is constantly pulling on all particles in all directions. The strongest force belongs to the earth and it pulls us towards the center of the earth. • This pulling force pulls loose sediment and weathered rock down slopes and this downslope movement is called mass movement.

  3. Four Movement Variables • There are four variables that influence mass movement, they are: • Weight • Resistance • Trigger • Earthquake, volcanic activity, heavy rainfall etc. • Water

  4. Water • Water is the biggest influence on mass movement. • Think about a sand castle • An absence of water will prevent sediment from sticking together • Dry sand won’t stick together • While too much water can act as a lubricant and reduce friction, while also increasing weight. • Pour water on a sand castle and it will crumble

  5. Types of Mass Movement • Mass movements are classified as: • Creep • Flows • Slides • Slumps • Avalanches • Rock falls

  6. Creep • Creep is the slow and steady downhill flow of Earth materials. • Creep causes the slow tilting of once vertical objects that are on the slopes

  7. Flows • When Earth materials act as if they were a liquid we call it a flow. • Flows can move very slowly(cm/year) or very quickly(km/hr). • These are usually caused by a sudden abundance of water.

  8. Slides • A landslide is a rapid downslope movement of a block of loose soil and dirt. • The material will move together down hill • A rockslide is the sliding of a sheet of rock down a slope.

  9. Slumps • A slump occurs when the mass of material rotates and slides down a curved surface

  10. Avalanche • Avalanches are landslides that occur in snowy mountainous areas. • These usually require a slope of about 35º. • In the western United States alone there are 10,000 avalanches each year. • Avalanches form from snow accumulating on a layer of ice and then sliding off.

  11. Rock Fall • Rock falls are when rocks at high elevations fall off cliffs hitting other rocks on the way down and causing them to fall too.

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