Problem 2
Rivers, groundwater, glaciers, wind, and waves can all move and deposit sediment. Geologists refer to these phenomena as agents of erosion. Mass wasting also involves the movement and deposition of sediment, yet it is not classified as an agent of erosion. How is mass wasting different?
Problem 4
Describe at least one situation in which an internal process might cause or contribute to a mass-wasting event.
Problem 5
Do you think it is likely that landslides frequently occur on the Moon? Explain why or why not.
Problem 7
Heavy rains in late July 2010 triggered the mass wasting that occurred in this mountain valley near Durango, Colorado. Heavy equipment is clearing away material that blocked railroad tracks and significantly narrowed the adjacent stream channel. Was this event more likely a rockfall, creep, or a debris flow? Most of us are familiar with the phrase "One thing leads to another." It certainly applies to the Earth system. Suppose the material from the masswasting event shown here had completely filled the stream. What other natural hazard might have developed?
Problem 8
Mass wasting is influenced by many processes associated with all four spheres of the Earth system. Select two items from the list below. For each, outline a series of events that relate the item to various spheres and to a mass-wasting process. Here is an example which assumes that "frost wedging" is an item on the list: Frost wedging involves rock (geosphere) being broken when water \((h y-\) drosphere) freezes. Freeze-thaw cycles (atmosphere) promote frost wedging. When frost wedging loosens a rock on a cliff, the fragment tumbles to the base of the cliff. This event, rock fall, is an example of mass wasting. Now you give it a try. Use your imagination. \- Deforestation \- Spring thaw/melting snow \- Highway road cut \- Crashing waves \- Cavern formation
