Which statement best describes slumping, a mass wasting process?
A) A mass of soil or regolith becomes saturated with water and suddenly flows downhill to the base of the slope.
B) Blocks of hard bedrock rapidly slide downhill along fracture surfaces.
C) A block or blocks of unconsolidated regolith slide downhill along a curved slip surface.
D) The soil and regolith move downhill very slowly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Slumping involves the movement of a block or blocks of unconsolidated regolith (soil and rock fragments) along a curved slip surface, typically due to the loss of soil strength, increased weight, or saturation with water. The movement can occur quickly or slowly depending on the conditions and can result in noticeable landforms such as scarps and slump blocks. Option A describes a different type of mass wasting process known as a debris flow, Option B describes rockslide, and Option D may be more appropriate for a different process such as creep.

Which Statement Best Describes Slumping, a Mass Wasting Process