Exam 10: Mass Wasting

What human activities contribute to or cause mass wasting?

Why is there sometimes wire mesh covering a steep slope? What are the characteristics of the type of mass wasting this is meant to prevent?

On the basis of what three criteria are mass movements classified?

Ground that remains permanently frozen is called ____________________.

Creep is the most economically damaging and widespread type of material flow.

The most common triggering mechanism for mass wasting is:

Overloading of a slope is rarely the fault of human action.

Why is the California coastline so susceptible to losses due to mass wasting? Put together what you've learned so far for the answer.

Compare and contrast mudflows,debris flows,and earthflows.

What methods can be used to stabilize a hillside?

What geologic conditions are usually present in the areas where most block slides occur?

Creep occurs only on weathered or soil-covered surfaces of moderate slope.

Briefly explain why saturated clay is a very unstable slope material.

The fundamental cause of mass wasting is ____________________.

What are quick clays,and how do they cause damage?

The downward movement of material along a curved surface of rupture,which is characterized by the backward rotation of the displaced block,is called a(n)____________________.

What is meant by the term "flow" when used with reference to mass movements?

How would reducing the slope of a hillside help to stabilize it? What two methods can be used to reduce a slope's angle?

Among the types of slides are:

Because water can be so important in mass movement,what is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways of reducing mass wastage risk and damage?