Author Question: What are some ways by which a slope can become oversteepened? How can oversteeping cause mass ... (Read 51 times)

karateprodigy · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

What are some ways by which a slope can become oversteepened? How can oversteeping cause mass
wasting? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the angle of repose for a slope? What forces are acting? What numerical value does this angle
have? What will be an ideal response?

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

Answer to Question 1

Slopes are oversteepened by undercutting by streams or waves, or excavations by human activities at
their base. When the slope's base is removed, the slope angle increases, and the gravitational force
acting parallel to the slope increases as well.

Answer to Question 2

A slope's angle of repose is the steepest angle it can maintain without collapsing. At this angle, the
shear strength of the slope's material exactly counterbalances the force of gravity. For unconsolidated
material, the angle is around 25 to 40 degrees. If the slope is greater than 40 degrees, it is likely made
of solid rock.