Question

Between mass wasting and mass movements, which term do you feel is most appropriate? Why? Can solifluction be included under rapid flow movements? Why it can be and can’t be?

Answer 1

1. Between mass wasting and mass movements, mass movements is the more appropriate and commonly used term. Because mass movements accurately describes any downslope movement of rock and soil driven by gravity (whether slow or fast). And mass wasting can be misleading because the word “wasting” makes it sound like material is being destroyed, whereas it is simply being transferred from one place to another.
2. Can solifluction be included under rapid flow movements normally no, because solifluction is a slow process, but under extreme conditions, it shares similarities with rapid flows.
   • Solifluction can’t be included as it is defined as the slow, continuous sliding of water-saturated soil down a slope (common in cold, periglacial regions). It happens very gradually, taking months or years, unlike rapid flows which happen suddenly in a matter of seconds or minutes.
   • Solifluction can be included as if a frozen slope experiences a sudden, massive thaw or heavy rainfall, the soil can become completely liquefied. And when it gets overly saturated with water, this slow creeping soil can start flowing quickly, looking very similar to a rapid mudflow.