Why It Matters: Mass Movement

Define and interpret the causes, types, effects and hazards of mass movement and land subsidence.

Introduction

Happy Isles Rockfall = One of the Most Devastating Rockfalls in Yosemite’s History. [Video]

 

Landslides and avalanches may not be something we really think about unless we live in an area prone to them, but mass wasting can occur just about anywhere. If you recall from when we learned about the rock cycle, erosion is a powerful and continuous process.

Watch this video of a fantastic earthflow in Italy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGP6LzS_D5k

Wasn’t that amazing?

Mass wasting can be very fast or slow. What do you make of this picture?

Trees on a slope. The trees are bent at the base. It appears the trees initially grew and then the ground shifted.

Do you notice anything strange about the trees? Would you want to live in an area like this?

Let’s see what mass wasting is and what it can tell us about the video and picture.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and describe types of mass movement.
  • Identify the various causes of mass movement, as well as ways to diminish the damage caused.