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What factors led to the massive rockslide at Gros Ventre Wyoming?

What factors led to the massive rockslide at Gros Ventre Wyoming?

A combination of three factors caused the rock slide: 1) heavy rains and rapidly melting snow saturated the Tensleep Sandstone causing the underlying shale of the Amsden Formation to lose its shear strength, 2) the Gros Ventre River cut through the sandstone creating an oversteepened slope, and 3) soil on top of the …

Why is mass wasting called the unsung hero of geology?

Mass wasting, I always say, is the unsung hero of all geologic processes because it goes on without most people knowing that it’s even going on. And then we’ll go into, perhaps, one of the most important of all the geologic processes that are happening out there. It’s called weathering.

Which factor is important in initiating mass wasting events?

event initiating a mass wasting event. mass wasting erosion can be triggered when heavy rains or snow-melt saturate the surface. when pore spaces become filled with water (saturated) the cohesion between grains is destroyed allowing them to slide past one another.

What is the role of vegetation in slope stability?

Plants improve slope stability by removing water from the soil. Plants use water, absorbed through their roots, to perform basic metabolic processes such as photosynthesis. Plants release absorbed water to the atmosphere by transpiring through pores on the leaves, much as a person sweats.

What is mass wasting in geology quizlet?

Mass wasting. the downslope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity. Driving forces. Downhill component, Gravity acting on weight of slope material.

What are three factors that can actually trigger mass wasting events?

Major Triggers for Mass Wasting: Water, Slopes, Vegetation Removal & Earthquakes.

What factors contribute to mass wasting quizlet?

What types of events may trigger mass wasting events? heavy rain, human activity, earthquakes, volcanic activity, long periods of drought, with heavy sediment buildup on slopes and rare episodes of heavy precipitation.

How has mass wasting helped to shape the Grand Canyon?

Several trees and rocks have fallen from the canyon due to Pressure of Root Weathering. Since these rocks are now displaced at the bottom of the canyon, the Colorado River begins to push everything is its way. The Grand Canyon is wide because of Mass Wasting and the Colorado River just unclogs the mess.

Was the Grand Canyon once an ocean?

The Kaibab Limestone, the uppermost layer of rock at Grand Canyon, was formed at the bottom of the ocean. The action of plate tectonics lifted the rocks high and flat, creating a plateau through which the Colorado River could cut down.

How old is Grand Canyon?

70 million years

What 4 rocks make up the Grand Canyon’s walls?

Rock layers formed during the Paleozoic Era are the most conspicuous in the Grand Canyon’s walls. Coastal environments and several marine incursions from the west between 550 and 250 million years ago deposited sandstone, shale and limestone layers totaling 2,400 to 5,000 feet thick.