Q. What is 'Mass Wasting', recently seen in news?
Answer:
Movement of rock and soil down slope under the influence of gravity
Notes: A new study highlights an increase in mass wasting events in Sedongpu Gully on the Tibetan Plateau since 2017, linked to rapid warming in the region. This trend could negatively impact India's Northeast. Mass wasting involves the movement of rock and soil down slopes due to gravity. It occurs when a slope becomes unstable due to factors like steep angles or weak materials. Triggers include rapid snow melt, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and human actions. Common types are rockfalls, slides, flows, and creep, with rapid movements being particularly hazardous. Excessive precipitation is a major cause, leading to dangerous debris flows.