Author Question: Compare and contrast rapid mass movements and slow mass movements. What will be an ideal ... (Read 125 times)

codyclark · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Compare and contrast rapid mass movements and slow mass movements. What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How does the geology (dip of rock layers or joints) on a slope affect slope stability? What will be an ideal response?

yotaSR5 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Rapid mass movements are visible, usually occurring quite suddenly. They are potentially dangerous,
with loss of life and property damage. They occur on steep slopes and can involve rock, soil, or debris.
Slow mass movements are imperceptible and are noticed only by signs, such as tilted trees. Slow mass
movements transport a much greater volume of weathered material than rapid ones

Answer to Question 2

If the rocks underlying a slope dip in the same direction as the slope, water can percolate along the
various bedding planes and decrease the cohesiveness and friction between adjacent rock layers. If the
rocks dip in the same direction as the slope or are horizontal, but joints dip in the same direction as the
slope, water may migrate through the joints to weather the rock and expand the openings, causing
instability.