date _____________________

ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE

MASS WASTING (MASS MOVEMENT) VIDEO WORKSHEET

Read these questions, then answer them while watching the video "Mass Wasting" from The Earth Revealed series. The transcript is available at http:// www.hcc.hawaii.edu/ hcconline/ gg101/ program20%20MassWasting/program20.html" and the video is available online from Annenberg/CPB Learner.org (http:// www.learner.org/ index.html) at http:// www.learner.org/ vod/ video.html?sid=78&pid=327&po=16&VID=7789. After the video is done, compare your answers with other students to verify them.

Mass wasting is another term for mass movements.

1. Mass wasting (mass movements) are the _____________________ movements of earth material under the influence

of __________________ .

2. _____________ are the most common of landforms, so mass movements affect __________________________ .

3. The two main major Earth process that cause mass movements are _____________ that uplifts and steepens slopes, and ____________ that constantly tries to flatten out the slopes.

4. The first important factor that determines the movement of the ground is how _________________ the slopes are. Human activity often increases this through _______________________________ .

5. Adding ______________ can lower the stability of a slope.

6. If a lot of _________________ is present, it can make a slope move.

7. Mass movements are classified in many ways, including: ______________________________________.

8. Creep is a ________________ movement of soil that occurs on ____________ slopes as upper layers of soil _____________ over lower layers

9. Faster than creep, _____________ occurs on hillsides with a thick cover of loose, rocky debris, especially after ___________

loosens the material.

10. Removal of material at the _____________ of a slope can make the slope unstable.

11. Although movements of Earth materials did occur in the past, modern slide problems are caused by __________________ when fill is brought in that adds __________________ to the slope, and makes it more steep.

12. _______________ the level of water in the ground seems to _________________ to slow slumping landslides.

13. _______________ and _______________________ are the product of loose unstable material mixed with water, and travel much __________________ than slump.

Answer after the video:

1. Mass movements occur because slopes of soil or weathered rock become unstable due to the following conditions. Describe situations in which people make mass movements more likely by:

a. adding weight:

b. increasing lubrication by water inside the slope:

c. increasing the steepness of the slope:

2. What would you look for if you were concerned about mass movements in your area?