What process describes the movement of material down a slope due to gravity?

What process describes the movement of material down a slope due to gravity?

• A. Mass wasting
• B. Weathering
• C. Runoff
• D. Transport

Answer: (A)

The movement of material down a slope due to gravity is described as mass wasting. This process involves the gravitational force acting on soil and rock, causing them to slide, flow, or fall down hill slopes. Mass wasting can occur rapidly, such as in landslides, or more slowly, such as in soil creep. It is a key process in shaping landscapes, particularly on slopes where gravity exerts a significant influence. Other processes, while related to the movement and alteration of materials in the Earth, do not specifically involve the gravitational movement down slopes. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth’s surface through processes like physical, chemical, and biological weathering, but it does not imply movement. Runoff involves the flow of water over land, often carrying minerals and sediments, but again does not pertain to the gravitational movement of material down a slope. Transport typically refers to the movement of sediment by wind, water, or ice but does not specifically relate to gravity-driven slope movement. Thus, mass wasting is the most accurate term for describing the process in question.

The movement of material down a slope due to gravity is described as mass wasting. This process involves the gravitational force acting on soil and rock, causing them to slide, flow, or fall down hill slopes. Mass wasting can occur rapidly, such as in landslides, or more slowly, such as in soil creep. It is a key process in shaping landscapes, particularly on slopes where gravity exerts a significant influence.

Other processes, while related to the movement and alteration of materials in the Earth, do not specifically involve the gravitational movement down slopes. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth’s surface through processes like physical, chemical, and biological weathering, but it does not imply movement. Runoff involves the flow of water over land, often carrying minerals and sediments, but again does not pertain to the gravitational movement of material down a slope. Transport typically refers to the movement of sediment by wind, water, or ice but does not specifically relate to gravity-driven slope movement. Thus, mass wasting is the most accurate term for describing the process in question.