Mass movement, which is sometimes called <em>waste movement</em> or <em>slope movement, </em>is defined as the large movement of rock, soil and debris downward due to the force of gravity.
<h3>Factors affecting mass movement
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1. Slope
- Gravity provides the energy to move the materials.
- Rapid movements (e.g. landslide, slumping) etc.
2. Water
- Rainwater acts as a lubricant to weathered materials.
- Rainwater adds weight to weathered materials.
3. Rock structure
- Joints dipping downslope usually assists landslides, rockfalls, rockslide etc
4. Vegetation
- Lack of vegetation cover to hold the loose particles.
5. Vibrations
- Earthquakes.
- Construction processes and mining operations.
