As Geo Topic 3: Types of mass movemnt

Slumping

Simply weaker rocks (such as clay) “slump” within a section cliff face with a rotational movement along a curved slip plane, moving material downwards because of the force of gravity. This process results in the creation of terraces. During periods of heavy rainfall, the soil becomes saturated, resulting in the slope becoming unstable and leading to mass movement, which commonly occurs if the base has been undercut.

Earthflows

these are dry and slow movements of clay-sized sediment that do not move very far along when mass movement occurs.

Mudflows

faster than earthflows (which are deeper and thicker). They usually have a higher water content, allowing flows to occur on shallower slopes.

Falls

Happens at slopes that are at an angle of greater than 40°, causing rocks detach and fall freely due to gravity or weathering .

Landslides

the fast movement of rock down a slope.

Rockslides

a type of landslide that occur on along faults in the rock.within a slope

Heaves

occur when soil particles are pushed, and then - due to the influence of gravity - the particles move downwards. On slopes the soil ripples, creating steps called terracettes.