ES 6-1: Mass Movements

Which of the following is a type of mass movement characterized by the rapid downslope movement of rock and soil under the influence of gravity?

• Creep

• Landslide

• Solifluction

• Slump

Which of the following is NOT an indication that creep has occurred?

• underground pipelines break

• trees become bent

• vertical structures become tilted

• parallel grooves form in bedrock

Explain how water content can influence the type and speed of mass movements. Provide examples to support your explanation.

• Water increases cohesion, slowing down movements like landslides.

• Water acts as a lubricant, increasing the speed of movements like mudflows.

• Water has no effect on mass movements.

• Water only affects movements in cold climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which type of mass movement is characterized by the slow, gradual downhill movement of soil and rock?

• Rockfall

• Mudflow

• Creep

• Avalanche

Describe the process of solifluction and identify the conditions under which it typically occurs.

• Solifluction occurs in arid regions with high temperatures.

• Solifluction involves the slow, downslope flow of water-saturated soil in permafrost areas.

• Solifluction is a rapid movement of dry soil and rock.

• Solifluction only occurs in tropical rainforests.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the primary difference between a landslide and a slump?

• A landslide involves rotational movement, while a slump involves translational movement.

• A slump involves rotational movement, while a landslide involves translational movement.

• Both involve rotational movement.

• Both involve translational movement.

Slumps are common after rainfall because the water ____.

• causes snow to melt

• reduces friction between soil grains

• washes away the vegetation cover

• breaks the underlying rock

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Analyze the impact of vegetation on the stability of slopes and the occurrence of mass movements.

• Vegetation destabilizes slopes by adding weight.

• Vegetation stabilizes slopes by anchoring soil with roots.

• Vegetation has no impact on slope stability.

• Vegetation only affects slope stability in desert regions.

Which type of mass movement is most likely to occur after heavy rainfall in a mountainous region?

• Rockfall

• Mudflow

• Creep

• Solifluction

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Evaluate the role of human activities in triggering mass movements. Provide examples to illustrate your points.

• Human activities have no effect on mass movements.

• Deforestation and construction can destabilize slopes, leading to mass movements.

• Human activities only prevent mass movements.

• Urbanization has no impact on slope stability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4