Some of these questions must be answered by consulting your textbook which correlates with the video series.  Consult: "Physical Geology -Earth Revealed" by Carlson, Plummer and McGeary; published by McGraw Hill, New York City, NY




 

 
16. Mass Wasting 
Anyone undertaking a building project must understand mass wasting — the downslope movement of earth under the influence of gravity. Various factors in mass wasting, including the rock’s effective strength and pore spaces, are discussed, as are different types of mass wasting such as creep, slump, and landslides. Images of an actual landslide illustrate the phenomenon.

Episode 16: Mass Wasting

What is mass wasting?

 

Why does mass wasting occur everywhere?

 

How do human activities help trigger mass wasting events?

 

Describe how the angle of a slope affects mass wasting.

 

Describe how water in the ground contributes to mass wasting.

 

What is creep, and what causes it to occur?

 

What is slump?

 

Discuss landslides at Portuguese Bend.

 

How has road building contributed to the problems?

 

Why are many Portuguese Bend landowners unable to move?

 

Discuss mudflows and debris flows.

 

Describe rock slides.

 

What factors do engineering geologists look at when studying slope stability?

 

How do heavy rains contribute to mud and debris flows?

 

How does human activity contribute to mass wasting processes?

 

link to answers  (this will not be an active link until after the assignment due date!)