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Mass Movement (i) Name one slow type of mass movement and describe two effects of this slow mass movement - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 1C - 2018
Question 1C
Mass Movement (i) Name one slow type of mass movement and describe two effects of this slow mass movement. (ii) Explain the impact of precipitation on mass movemen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Mass Movement (i) Name one slow type of mass movement and describe two effects of this slow mass movement - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 1C - 2018
Step 1
Name one slow type of mass movement and describe two effects of this slow mass movement.
Answer
One slow type of mass movement is soil creep.
Effects of Soil Creep:
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Terracettes Formation: Soil creep causes the gradual movement of soil down a slope, leading to the formation of terracettes—small steps or terraces that develop on sloped land over time due to this process.
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Tree Deformation: As soil creeps, the roots of trees are also affected. Trees may bend or lean in the direction of the slope, which can lead to structural weakness in the tree and possibly its eventual fall.
Step 2
Explain the impact of precipitation on mass movement.
Answer
Precipitation significantly impacts mass movement in several ways:
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Increased Soil Saturation: Water from rain can make the soil heavier, increasing the gravitational pull on the slope and thus heightening the risk of landslides or other forms of mass movement.
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Lubrication Effect: Water acts as a lubricant between soil particles, reducing friction. When the soil is saturated, this can lead to instability, making it easier for materials to move downhill.