The downhill movement of material under the influence of gravity
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Why is Mass movement important?
Processes and Flows within the Coastal system transfer energy and sediment which forms an input to shoreline processes
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What factors affect Mass movement?
Aspect, structure of rock, Gradient of cliff, Vegetation cover, Climate Precipitation, Temperature, Weathering processes, Geology
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What are the Seven Types of Mass Movement?
Runoff, Rock fall, Solifluction, Soil creep, Mudflows, Landslip/slump and Landslide
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What is Runoff?
When overland flow occurs down a slope/ cliff face, small particles are moved downslope entering the littoral zone (input into sediment cell)- water+ sediment is transferred
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What is Rockfall?
The sudden collapse or breaking away of individual rock fragments at a cliff face
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What is Rockfall associated with and what often triggers it?
Steep/ Vertical cliffs in resistant rock, often triggered by mechanical weathering or an earthquake
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What temporary store form from Rockfall?
Scree
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What is Solifluction?
Specific to Cold periglacial environments,In summer,surface layer(permafrost)thaws and becomes extremely saturated as it lies on top of impermeable ground (permafrost) The active layer(thawed layer)of Saturated soil+vegetation slowly moves downhill
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What is Soil Creep?
Slow movement of individual soil particles downhill. Particles rise towards ground surface due to wetting or freezing then returning to surface as it dries due to gravity
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How can the action of Soil creep be seen?
By the formation of shallow terracettes and bending of tree trunks
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What is a Mudflow?
Fast Movement of earth and mud downhill over unconsolidated or weak bed rock
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What increases the chance of a Mudflow?
Heavy Rainfall, water trapped within rock increases pore water pressure forcing rock particles apart leading to rock failure
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What is a Landslip/Slump?
Different from landslide as its slide surface is curved not flat
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When do Landslips/Slumps commonly occur?
In weak and unconsolidated rock when permeable rock overlies impermeable rock
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What are Landslips/Slumps Characterised by?
Sharp break of slope and formation of scar, multiple can result in terraced appearance
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Why is Mass movement important?
Back
Processes and Flows within the Coastal system transfer energy and sediment which forms an input to shoreline processes
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