What is Mass Wasting?

SEO Title: Mass Wasting: Definition, Types, Causes and Examples for UPSC Geography

Category: Physical Geography | Geomorphology | Disaster Management

UPSC Notes

Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of weathered rock, soil or other earth material under the direct influence of gravity.

Key Pointers

  • Gravity is the fundamental driving force.

  • Does not necessarily require a transporting medium such as a river or wind.

  • Major forms:

    • Rockfall

    • Landslide

    • Mudflow

    • Debris flow

    • Soil creep

    • Slump

  • Factors triggering mass wasting:

    • Heavy rainfall

    • Earthquakes

    • Slope instability

    • Removal of vegetation

    • Road construction

    • Mining

    • Freeze-thaw processes

  • Soil creep is relatively slow.

  • Rockfalls and landslides can occur rapidly.

  • Important in Himalayan disaster studies.

Prelims Focus: Gravity → downslope movement → landslide/rockfall/creep.