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Physical Geology

Charles C. Plummer, Diane H. Carlson, Lisa Hammersley

Chapter 9

Mass Wasting - all with Video Answers

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Chapter Questions

Problem 1

Describe the effect on shear strength of the following:
a. slope angle
b. orientation of planes of weakness
c. water in soil
d. vegetation

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03:08

Problem 2

Compare the shear force to the force of gravity (drawing diagrams similar to figure 9.2) for the following situations:
a. a vertical cliff
b. a flat horizontal plane
c. a $45^{\circ}$ slope

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Manish Kumar
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01:12

Problem 3

How does a rotational slide differ from a translational slide?

Mariana Roldan
Mariana Roldan
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Problem 4

What role does water play in each of the types of mass wasting?

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Problem 5

Why is solifluction more common in colder climates than in temperate climates?

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03:48

Problem 6

List and explain the key factors that control mass wasting.

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Devin Lea
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Problem 7

What is the slowest type of mass wasting process?
a. debris flow
b. rockslide
c. creep
d. rockfall
e. avalanche

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01:31

Problem 8

The largest landslide has taken place
a. on the sea floor
b. in the Andes
c. on active volcanoes
d. in the Himalaya

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Lauren Levites
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Problem 9

A descending mass moving downslope as a viscous fluid is referred to as a
a. fall
b. landslide
c. flow
d. slide

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Problem 10

The driving force behind all mass wasting processes is
a. gravity
b. slope angle
c. type of bedrock material
d. presence of water
c. vegetation

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Problem 11

The resistance to movement or deformation of soil is its
a. mass
b. shear strength
c. shear force
d. density

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Problem 12

Flow of water-saturated soil over impermeable material is called
a. solifluction
b. flow
c. slide
d. fall

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Problem 13

A flowing mixture of soil and water, usually moving down a channel is called a
a. mudflow
b. slide
c. fall
d. earthflow

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00:11

Problem 14

An apron of fallen rock fragments that accumulates at the base of a cliff is called
a. bedrock
b. sediment
c. soil
d. talus

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Kayla Scholl
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Problem 15

How does construction destabilize a slope?
a. adds weight to the top of the slope
b. decreases water content of the slope
c. adds weight to the bottom of the slope
d. increases the shear strength of the slope

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Problem 16

How can landslides be prevented during construction? (choose all that apply)
a. retaining walls
b. cut steeper slopes
c. install water drainage systems
d. add vegetation

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