Mass wasting Flashcard 1 review

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What is mechanical weathering?

Back

Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. An example is water freezing and expanding in cracks.

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What is deposition in the context of mass wasting?

Back

Deposition is the process where sediment settles out of the transporting medium (like water or wind) and accumulates in a new location, such as sediment settling at the bottom of a lake.

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Define creep in mass wasting.

Back

Creep is the slow, gradual movement of soil and rock down a slope, often caused by the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes.

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What is a rock slide?

Back

A rock slide is a rapid movement of a mass of rock down a slope, typically occurring when the rock becomes unstable.

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What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the general term for the movement of weathered material from one place to another, often caused by water, wind, or ice.

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What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering?

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Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering involves changes in the chemical structure of the minerals in the rock.

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What role does water play in mass wasting?

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Water can increase the weight of soil and rock, reduce friction, and lead to various forms of mass wasting, such as mudflows and landslides.

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What is a mudflow?

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A mudflow is a type of mass wasting that involves the rapid movement of a mixture of water and soil down a slope.

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What is a slump?

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A slump is a type of mass wasting where a section of soil or rock moves down a slope in a rotational manner, often leaving a curved scar.

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How does vegetation affect mass wasting?

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Vegetation can help stabilize soil and rock with roots, reducing the likelihood of mass wasting events.