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UPSC Civil Services GK update – Physical Geography: Geomorphic processes Capsule 7

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In this article, we would discuss the mass movements.

What are mass movements?

1. Also known as mass wasting, it is the movement of rocks/weathered materials down a slope due to the influence of gravity.


2. No geomorphic agents like water, glaciers, winds, waves and current contribute to it, instead such movements carry water, ice and soil with them.

3. Materials on the slope have their own resistance and they are affected by an external force only when it exceeds their own resistance.

4. Scarcity of vegetation, torrential rains, vertical cliffs and thinly bedded rocks favour mass movements.

5. Mass movements are of two types: rapid and slow.

6. Rapid movements: They occurs suddenly and are often seen in relatively steeper slopes. While rapid mass movements tend to be brief in duration, they are often more damaging.

7. Landslides: Also known as slumping or sliding, it is a very common example of rapid mass movements. It is the sudden movement of rock, debris or soil down the slope.

8. Unnoticeable movements and sudden collapses are typical of landslides.

9. Landslides are considered to be the most dangerous hazards due to their unpredictable occurrence and speed.

10. Types of landslides include slide (movement of earth is parallel to the slope), creep (gradual movement of slope materials), slump (movement of material is along a concave-upward or planar surface), topple (end over end motion down a slope) and fall (free falling under gravitational force).

11. Landslides occur as a result of both natural causes and human activities.

12. Natural causes include earthquake vibrations, volcanic eruptions, increased pore water pressure due to heavy rainfall and river erosion.

13. Human activities include modification of slope structure by construction of roads and railway lines, excavation and mining activities, excessive removal of natural vegetation, deforestation and overloading of slopes.

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