Martin Jude P.

Suarez Date of Submission: 8/7/18

BS Geography
2014-31306

I.
Mass Movement, or the erosion, weathering, transportation, and deposition of matter
from one point to another is what shapes the landscape. This global phenomenon is triggered by
a multitude of factors that are both natural and human in nature. Although most of the movement
is caused by factors above the earth’s surface, there are also underground, even tectonic forces
at work that displace and bring about movement of particles towards newer destinations.

Mass Movement is triggered when a certain “push factor” displaces sediments, particles,
soil, and matter from an upward position to that of a downward place. Although this is the typical
case, there have also been cases wherein upward movement has occurred from a lower area. Take
for example the Cordillera mountain range in the Philippines. To become a mountain, much less a
mountain range, convergent forces had to force land upward at a rate where the amount of land
eroded away was less than the rate at which land was being deposited upwards. Decades, even
centuries would pass before the rates of each would change. However, the deposition rate would
eventually slow down long enough for the erosion rate to supersede it. This slow erosion is what
you would observe as the current situation that a typical mountain range has.

Convergent boundary movement is an example of a tectonic factor – one that concerns plate
movement underground. Yet Geomorphology as a study takes into account not just the existence
of multiple factors at work, but their simultaneous interaction; the result of which is the change in
the landscape and landforms that you see in the present. Besides tectonic movements, there are
also lithological, climatic, and ecological forces at play. Lithological rock types dictate the level at
which the mountain will be affected by weathering and erosion agents. Certain rocks (cite
examples and locations). Climatic factors, such as rain are central to the movement of mass. The
rain-shadow side of a mountain is subject to heavy downpours of water that, through continuous
or frequent occurrence, transport much of the sediments and soil to the lower end of the
mountain. Ecological Factors, when put into play, also invoke another set of changes. For example,
the amount of soil washed away by the onslaught of rain showers could be lessened if shrubs,
trees, and the like, were planted in the soils surrounding the mountain. The roots would act as an
anchor, preventing more erosion from occurring.

Once one understands the various forces at work, it is time to consider the scale. Typically,
mass movement can occur either at a high frequency, but with a low magnitude, or at a low
frequency, but at a high magnitude. To simply put, it can occur often but with little effect, or rarely,
but with a noticeable difference left. Light rain showers can occur often during the rainy season in
the Philippines, but would not leave a gaping mark on the land, as much as a major landslide that
would displace huge chunks of rock.

II.

The earth’s landscape is forever changing. The movement of mass facilitated by agents of
weathering and erosion make minute but continuous changes each day. Islands are slowly moving
or sinking as sediments are transferred from one location to the next. As both internal and external
factors combine to bring forth new landscapes and landforms, geomorphology attempts to learn
about the patterns of the past by observing the trends and composition of the present
landforms/landscapes. At this point, it is important to note that development isn’t uniform.
Landscape changes occur mainly via external factors – such as the tectonic, climatic, and volcanic.
This implies that areas with heavy volcanic activity, or places concealing an active fault are more
likely to experience stark differences in their land area in the years to come than those that have
much simpler areas. Although it takes time, as it does with Large scale landforms, small
movements made consistently, and without any obstruction can bring about mountain belts.

Time itself is a major factor in mass movement. The present day appearance of major landforms
is a telling tale of past conditions. An area with a parabolic valley could’ve once been dominated
by ice sheets and glacial conditions. These acted as weathering agents that have shaped the valley
to its current form. Melting away, its proof of existence lies in the way the valley is formed, and
the weather conditions that have persisted for decades despite fluctuations. The same argument
can be said for other landforms, whether warmer, wetter, cooler, or drier. The story of the present
is decided by the history concealed in the location and composition of existing landscapes and
landforms.

III.

The recent issues of global warming, melting ice caps, and sea level rise are just an assortment of
problems that nature faces. Yet, these global changes have impacts that are felt all across the
known world. To be upfront, the world is quite sensitive. Slight changes in the global temperature
due to the eruption of an active volcano may be a slight inconvenience for you and I; however, it
can mean the extinction of a species, or their environment halfway across the world. The
ecological loss would then have a butterfly effect that would continue and affect all life. The
extinction of certain animals would lead to a population explosion of their prey. Too many of one
creature kills diversity, the plants around such, and as an extension the land upon which they live
in.

IV.

Humans have not had as much of an impact on the Earth as they do in this era, the
“Anthropocene.” Our accumulating waste, our excessive consumption, and our practices can be
degrading for adjacent cycles and systems. Polluted rivers, and plastic islands are evidence of that.
Yet humans also have the capacity for goodness and balance. For example, tree-planting efforts,
diversification of planting crops, and preservation of species and wildlife via laws enacted upon
the worldwide community encourage sustainability and diversity. We tear down nature, carve up
the lands for settlements or agriculture, and bring about deforestation and species extinction. We
take care of endangered species, and put an emphasis on environmental status. Anthropogenic
activities can have adverse effects in the land. It’s all a matter of balance and accountability for
the actions we take.

V.

Understanding is hard to come by these days. In our daily activities, we make choices that affect
the land. These have a socio-economic impact that can damage the land to the point that the land
itself is unstable. We do these things to fund the system that we use for production, and
consumption; sometimes excessively. We also do these things because we are not as aware of the
impacts, or we do not have a solution that is beneficial in our eyes. That could change if we were
better equipped with knowledge – specifically understanding regarding Geomorphology.

By understanding the causes, trends, and past of the land, and the movements and changes
brought about over the many years, geomorphologists can pinpoint the source of these activities.
Depending on the effect these causes bring, governments and institutions for conservation of
nature can make more convincing arguments towards their respective causes. Imagine knowing
what is causing the extinction of another, or what can be reduced or done in order to conserve, if
not preserve the pristine state of nature. There is a lot of untapped potential that could be
unlocked if people paid more attention. Here in the Philippines, a place where deforestation and
species extinction has sped up, at a rate much faster than before, geomorphology could yield data
in support of areas that should not be exploited further. By citing present conditions, and
referencing the landscape conditions that existed before, a pattern or trend could be discovered
that would help educate those unaware of the imminent threat that irresponsible and
unsustainable human practices can cause to the environment.
VI.

I see myself as a volcano. I am full of passion inside. My passion when it erupts will change the
environment around me. Sometimes it takes a way a lot. But that is necessary for growth. Bin
doing so, my passion (lava) leaves the ground fertile for newer and better things to come.

Reference:

110 reasons why geomorphology is important [Brochure]. (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from
http://geomorphology.org.uk/