Asked by yo

Which factors can lead to a mass movement? Check all that apply.

steep slopes
removal of vegetation
deposition
animal activity
earthquakes
undercutting of a slope

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Correct answers: steep slopes; removal of vegetation; animal activity; earthquakes; undercutting of a slope.

Brief reasons:
- Steep slopes: increase gravitational force component downslope, making failure more likely.
- Removal of vegetation: roots bind soil; removing plants reduces cohesion and increases susceptibility.
- Animal activity: burrowing, trampling or grazing can loosen soil and disrupt root networks.
- Earthquakes: shaking can trigger slope failure by reducing friction and cohesion.
- Undercutting of a slope: erosion at the base (by rivers, waves, roads) removes support and causes collapse.

Deposition is generally not a direct cause of mass movement (it’s often the result of movement); it can only contribute indirectly if it overloads or over-steepens a slope.