Consider the following statements regarding the mass movement: Weather...
Weathering as a pre-requisite for mass movement:
- Weathering refers to the process of breaking down and disintegration of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface.
- It can occur through physical, chemical, and biological processes.
- Weathering weakens the rocks and makes them more susceptible to mass movement.
- The disintegration of rocks due to weathering creates loose debris and soil, which can easily be transported by mass movement processes.
- Therefore, weathering is a pre-requisite for mass movement as it provides the loose material that can be moved downslope.
Debris avalanche as a characteristic of humid regions:
- A debris avalanche is a type of mass movement in which a large volume of loose rock, soil, and debris rapidly moves down a slope.
- This movement is often triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, heavy rainfall, or other factors that destabilize the slope.
- While debris avalanches can occur in any region, they are more commonly associated with steep slopes in humid regions.
- In humid regions, heavy rainfall can saturate the soil and increase its weight, leading to increased instability of slopes.
- The presence of vegetation in humid regions can also contribute to slope instability as plant roots can weaken the soil and provide pathways for water infiltration.
- Additionally, the presence of clay-rich soils in humid regions can contribute to the occurrence of debris avalanches as clay particles can become lubricated when wet, reducing friction and allowing the material to flow more easily.
Correct statement:
- The correct statement is option 'B' - 2 only.
- Weathering is a pre-requisite for mass movement as it provides the loose material that can be moved downslope.
- However, debris avalanches are not exclusively characteristic of humid regions.
- While they are more commonly associated with steep slopes in humid regions due to factors like heavy rainfall and soil saturation, they can occur in any region where the conditions for mass movement are present.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, weathering is a pre-requisite for mass movement as it provides the loose material necessary for movement.
- However, debris avalanches are not limited to humid regions and can occur in any region where the conditions for mass movement are present.
Consider the following statements regarding the mass movement: Weather...
These movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity. That means, air, water or These movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity. That means, air, water or Gravity exerts its force on all matter, both bedrock and the products of weathering.
- So, weathering is not a pre-requisite for mass movement though it aids mass movements. Mass movements are very active over weathered slopes rather than over unweathered materials. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- Mass movements are aided by gravity and no geomorphic agent like running water, glaciers, wind, waves and currents participate in the process of mass movements.
- Landslides are relatively rapid and perceptible movements. The materials involved are relatively dry.
- The size and shape of the detached mass depends on the nature of discontinuities in the rock, the degree of weathering and the steepness of the slope. Depending upon the type of movement of materials several types are identified in this category such as slump, debris slide and rock slide.
- Debris avalanche is a characteristic of humid regions with or without vegetation cover and occurs in narrow tracks on steep slopes. This debris avalanche can be much faster than the mud flow. Debris avalanche is similar to snow avalanche. Hence, statement 2 is correct.