Question

The Large Scale Movement of loose materials down a slope is known as _______

Answer 1

Hint: Geomorphology is the scientific study of the formation and evolution of topographic and bathymetric features caused by physical, chemical, or biological processes at or near the Earth's surface.

Complete answer:
Mass movement, also known as Mass Wasting, is the movement of large amounts of soil and rock debris down slopes in response to gravity's pull, or the rapid or gradual sinking of the Earth's ground surface in a predominantly vertical direction.

Gravity causes the downhill movement of rock and soil material, which is known as mass wasting. The term "landslide" is frequently used interchangeably with "mass wasting." The movement caused by mass wasting can be slow or fast. Rapid movement, such as during debris flows, can be hazardous. Falls, rotational and translational slides, flows, and creep are the most common types of mass-wasting.

- Rotational slides frequently move slowly along a curved rupture surface.
- Translational slides are frequently rapid movements along a plane of distinct weakness between the material of the overlying slide and the more stable underlying material.

Previously, the term mass wasting referred to a variety of processes in which large masses of crustal materials are moved from one location to another by gravity. Recently, the term mass movement has been expanded to include mass wasting processes as well as the sinking of confined areas of the Earth's ground surface.

Water often aids mass movements on slopes and sinking mass movements, and the significance of both types is the role each plays in the alteration of landforms. The diversity of downslope mass movements reflects the diversity of factors that cause them. Weathering or erosional debris cover on slopes, which is usually prone to mass movement; the character and structure of rocks, such as resistant permeable beds prone to sliding due to underlying impermeable rocks; and the removal of vegetation cover are examples of such factors.

Thus, ‘Mass wasting’ is the large-scale movement of loose materials down a slope.

Note: Volcano flanks can become excessively steep, causing instability and mass wasting. This is now recognized as a natural part of the growth of all active volcanoes. It can be seen on both submarine and surface volcanoes: Loihi in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain and Kick 'em, Jenny, in the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc are two known mass wasting submarine volcanoes.