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Question

Difficulty: MediumEnvironmental Hazards and Degradation

In hilly regions of Nigeria, such as the slopes of the Jos Plateau, extensive removal of vegetation often causes loose surface soil and rock debris to slide rapidly downslope under the direct influence of gravity. Which of the following hazards best describes this bulk movement of material?

  1. Mass wastingAnswer
  2. B
    Weathering
  3. C
    Sheet erosion
  4. D
    Soil salinization

Answer

Mass wasting
Mass wasting describes the bulk downslope movement of soil, regolith, and weathered rock fragments primarily driven by gravity. Deforestation on steep slopes destabilizes the ground surface, making mass wasting events like landslides and mudflows more frequent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary force and mode of transport in the scenario
The process involves soil and rock moving downslope driven by gravity following vegetation loss.
Determining whether movement is driven directly by gravity or by water/wind flow identifies the hazard category.
2
Differentiate downslope bulk movement from in-situ disintegration
Disintegration occurring in place without transportation is weathering, whereas bulk downslope movement driven by gravity is mass wasting.
Mass wasting specifically describes gravitational slope failure and downslope displacement.

Key Concept

Mass wasting as a gravity-driven environmental hazard
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Environmental Hazards and Degradation

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