GEOL 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: Mass Wasting, Regolith, Debris Flow
11 Nov 2018
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Document Summary
Landslide is the sudden event in which large quantities of rock and soil plunge down a steep slope. They can occur in addition to other major natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. A landslide can refer to many different natural disasters such as mudflows and avalanches. Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of rock, regolith and soil under the direct influence of gravity. Most mast wasting occurs on younger steep mountains because a slope is required for mass wasting to occur. It is often triggered by heavy rainfall, water causes a lubrication effect that causes particles to flow downhill easily. The removal of vegetation also triggers mass wasting. It protects soil from erosion and the effects of rainfall. This removal often occurs because of forest fires and people, which creates an unsafe environment. Earthquakes also dislodge massive amounts of material from soil and contribute to mass wasting. Angle of repose is the steepest angle at which material remains stable.
