EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Mass movement is an erosional process that moves rocks and sediments downslope due to the force of gravity. The material is transported from higher elevations to lower elevations where other transporting agents like streams or glaciers can pick it up and move to even lower elevations.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gravity moves earth materials from higher elevations to lower elevations. Landslides, avalanches, and mudflows are examples of dangerous erosion by gravity. Slump and creep move material slowly downslope. Plants, retaining walls, and good drainage are ways to help prevent landslides.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gravity is responsible for erosion by flowing water and glaciers. But gravity also causes erosion directly. Gravity can pull soil, mud, and rocks down cliffs and hillsides. This type of erosion and deposition is called mass wasting.

Detailed explanation-4: -Many natural forces cause erosion and deposition, including gravity, moving water, glaciers, ocean waves and wind. These forces continuously wear down and build up material on the Earth’s surface.

Detailed explanation-5: -Landslides can be initiated in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in water level, stream erosion, changes in ground water, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these factors.