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Kentzie Rhodes

HW #9
Homework Questions
1) Define the term mass wasting as used by geologists. Mass wasting refers to the downslope
movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity. Geologic process that
Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under
often
thefollows
directweathering.
influence of gravity.

2) What are the controls and triggers of mass wasting?


TheThe
rolerole of water
of water
- diminishes particle cohesion (friction)
1. -Over
water adds weight
Diminishes particle cohesion (friction) may increase speed of downslope movement
steeping of slopes slope angle
2. -Water addsslope
stable weightangle
helping to make
(angle ofslopes unstable
repose) is different for various materials
- over steepened slopes are unstable
Over steepening
Removal of slopesslope
of anchoring angle
vegetation
Earthquakes as triggers
1. -Stable slope angle
may cause (angle of
expensive repose) isdamage
property different for various materials
- can cause liquefaction
2. Over steepened slopes are unstable may be the result of construction activities
Landslides without triggers
- slope
Removal materialsvegetation
of anchoring weaken over time slope stability
decreases
- random events that are unpredictable
Earthquakes may act as triggers. Not all mass wasting events such as landslides need a
triggering event/activity. Slope materials weaken over time. Mass wasting events are
unpredictable.

3) Creep is a form of mass wasting. What is creep and under what climactic conditions would
creep be unimportant?
Creep is gradual movement of soil and regolith downhill. It is aided by the
Creep is the expansion
alternate gradual movement of soil and regolith
and contraction of thedownhill
surfaceaided by the alternate expansion
material. and
contraction of the surface material particularly because of freeze/thaw cycles. Creep would be
less common in tropical regions.

4) What fraction of the Earths water is in the oceans? Of non-ocean fraction, approximately
how much is in glaciers, groundwater, lakes, streams, and atmosphere?
About 96.5% of Earths water is in oceans and the remaining 3.5 % is
available as fresh water
The 3.5% is distributed as follows:
1.68.7% in glaciers and oceans
2.30.1% as ground water
3. 1.2% in atmosphere and surface water forms like lakes,streams and lakes

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