Preparing for the UPSC civil services exam can be a daunting task, considering the vast syllabus. One of the key topics in Geography that aspirants often find challenging is Mass Movements. This article aims to simplify this concept for you. These notes will also come handy for other competitive exams like banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams etc.
Defining Mass Movements:
What are Mass Movements?
- Mass movement, also referred to as mass wasting, is the process involving the downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials comprising rock, soil, and plant litter.
- This movement usually occurs along the sides of hills and mountains due to the force of gravity.
- The role of gravity is integral as it exerts its force on all matter, be it bedrock or the products of weathering.
- While weathering can facilitate mass movements, it is not a pre-requisite for the occurrence of such movements.
- Mass movements can manifest in various forms such as landslides, mudslides, and avalanches, involving the sliding of large quantities of soil and rock.
- Unlike erosion, the debris does not transport air, water, or ice from one place to another. Instead, the debris may carry along with it these elements.
- Weathered slopes are more prone to mass movements as compared to unweathered materials.
- Despite the shift of materials from one place to another, mass movements do not fall under the category of erosion.
- The three forms of movements include heave, flow, and slide.
Causes of Mass Movements:
- There are several factors that can trigger mass movements. These include:
- Removal of the underlying support of materials through natural or artificial means.
- Increase in the height of slopes and gradients.
- Artificial or natural addition of materials leading to overfilling.
- Saturation and lubrication of slope materials due to heavy rainfall, resulting in overburdening.
- Removal of material or load from over the original slope surfaces.
- Occurrence of natural disasters like earthquakes and explosions.
- Excessive natural seepage.
- Indiscriminate removal of natural vegetation.
- Significant withdrawal of water from reservoirs, lakes, and rivers, causing a slow outflow of water from under the slopes or river banks.
- Based on the speed of movement, mass movements can be divided into two categories:
- Rapid movements
- Slow movements
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