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: V_f = -(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

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