MASS WASTING

an Exogenic Process
MASS WASTING

Also known as slope movement or mass

movement, is the geomorphic process by
which soil, sand, regolith, and rock move
downslope typically as a solid, continuous
or discontinuous mass, largely under the
force of gravity.
MASS WASTING

In mass wasting, the presence of water,

wind, and glaciers are contributory factors.
But the movement is basically on account
of gravity. The steeper the slope, the more
rapid is the movement.
Various processes are involved in mass
movements such as fall, creep, slide, etc.
All these processes can be divided into
two categories: slow and rapid mass
movement.
SLOW MASS WASTING

In slow mass movements, gravity is the

main factor. Water plays an important role
but, since the movement is down the
slope, presence of water may not be an
important factor.
SLOW MASS WASTING

A good example of the importance of

water is to think of a sand castle. Water
must be mixed with sand in order for the
castle to keep its shape. If too much water
is added the sand washes away, if not
enough water is added the sand falls and
cannot keep its shape.
Creep

Creep is a very slow mass movement that

goes on for years or even centuries. You
can't see creep happening but leaning
fences and poles and broken retaining
walls show where it has taken place.
Solifluction

When the active layer thaws to warmer

temperatures, the ice thaws and turns to
water, which lubricates the surface and
reduces its friction resulting to fall
downslope. This process is called
Solifluction.
RAPID MASS WASTING

In rapid mass movements, perceptible

motion occurs. The events are briefer in
duration, more damaging, and occur on
relatively steep slopes.
Earth Flow

An earthflow (earth flow) is a downslope

viscous flow of fine-grained materials that
have been saturated with water and moves
under the pull of gravity. It is an
intermediate type of mass wasting that is
between downhill creep and mudflow.
Mud Flow

Mudflows are the most fluid, rapid flow of

mud, usually mixed with rocks and other
debris, downhill. They generally occur
following heavy rainstorms in arid regions,
and follow preexisting channels, such as
streams or valleys.
Debris Slide, Avalanche, and Flow

Debris slide, avalanche, and flow is a rapid

transport of mixture of soil, rock, and
vegetation down a moderate to steep
slope signifies a debris slide, avalanche, or
flow. Usually triggered by heavy
rainstorms, the 3 differ by their water
content and therefore their fluidity of
motion. A debris slide is the driest, while a
debris flow is the wettest.
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