Mass Movement - GCSE Geography Definition

Mass movement refers to the movement of soil, rock, and earth material down a slope due to the force of gravity. It can happen suddenly, like in a landslide or avalanche, or slowly, like with soil creep. Rockfall, slumping, and mudslides are also examples of mass movement. Mass movement plays a significant role in shaping the landscape, as it helps to redistribute materials and alter the terrain. Factors like water saturation, steepness of the slope, weathering, and the type of material present can influence how and when mass movements occur. Understanding mass movement is important in geography because it affects land use, human safety, and the natural environment through deposition and erosion.