Physical Geography 102
Mass Wasting


Mass Wasting

Down slope movement of materials under the influence of gravity
Type of mass wasting is controlled by:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Causes?

Creep

Creep:
Mechanisms:
1)
2)
Very slow movement: mm/yr
Creep Example 1
Creep Example 2

Slump

Slump:
Can be rapid or slow
Slump Example 1
Slump Example 2

Landslides

Landslides:
Can be rapid or slow
Landslide Example 1
Landslide Example 2
Landslide Example 3

Mudflows / Debris Flows

Mudflows / Debris Flows:
Moderately rapid movement
Debris Flow Example 1
Debris Flow Example 2
Mudflow Example 3

Rock Slides / Rock Falls

Rock Slides / Rock Falls:
Rapid to very rapid movement: (m/s)
Rock fall equation: Vf = -(2dg)0.5
Rock Fall Example 1
Rock Fall Example 2
Rock Slide Example 3

Mass Wasting - Avalanche

Avalanche:
Very rapid movement
Rock slides and avalanches are similar but avalanches are larger and involve more material
Rock vs. Snow Avalanches
Avalanche Example 1


Below is an outline for the video Mass Wasting. This video is part of the Earth Revealed series. This video are not availible from the public libraries in the Quad Cities Area. The outline provided below is simply a list of the major topics covered in the video and is not intended to be a substitute for viewing the video.

Mass Wasting

Creep
Slump
Landslides
Mudflows and Debris Flows
Rockslides and Rockfalls
Avalanches
Mass Wasting Mitigation