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I
isaac
12/12/2025
Biology
Erosion & Mass Movement Fact Sheet
72
•
12 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Erosion and Mass Movement: Comprehensive Guide
I
isaac
@isaac_pcpe
1 / 4
Erosion Processes
Hydraulic action is like nature's jackhammer - waves crash against cliffs and force air into tiny cracks in the rock. When this trapped air gets compressed, it creates massive pressure that widens the cracks until chunks of rock break away.
Attrition happens when rocks become nature's tumble dryer. As water carries rocks along, they constantly bash into each other, gradually wearing down into smaller, rounder pebbles. Think of how sharp glass becomes smooth sea glass after years in the ocean.
Abrasion (also called corrasion) is when moving water picks up particles and uses them like sandpaper. These particles scrape against riverbanks, sea cliffs, and riverbeds, slowly wearing them away and making rivers deeper and wider over time.
Quick Tip: Remember that hydraulic action uses water pressure, attrition is rocks hitting rocks, and abrasion is particles scraping surfaces!
Chemical Processes and Biological Weathering
Corrosion might sound scary, but it's simply rocks dissolving in slightly acidic water - like how sugar dissolves in your tea. This process slowly eats away at certain types of rock, especially limestone.
Biological weathering proves that plants are stronger than you'd think! Tree roots can grow into tiny cracks in rocks and, as they expand, they literally split the rock apart. This slow but powerful process helps create dramatic coastal stacks and contributes to valley formation.
Chemical weathering happens because rainwater is naturally acidic (don't worry, it won't hurt you!). This weak acid reacts with certain rocks, causing them to dissolve over time. You'll often see this process at work where waterfalls form - the acid dissolves softer rocks faster than harder ones.
Remember: Chemical and biological weathering work slowly but steadily - like nature's way of recycling rocks!
Mechanical Weathering and Mass Movement
Mechanical weathering is nature's most explosive process! Water seeps into cracks, freezes when temperatures drop below 0°C, and expands with incredible force. This repeated freezing and thawing eventually splits rocks apart completely.
Mass movement is gravity's way of moving material downhill. Sliding occurs when soil particles slowly creep down valley sides due to gravity, making slopes steeper and adding sediment to rivers at the bottom.
This process might seem gentle, but over time it significantly changes the shape of valleys and contributes to erosion at the base of slopes.
Key Point: Freeze-thaw weathering is most effective in areas where temperatures regularly cross 0°C - that's why mountain peaks are often jagged and broken!
Advanced Mass Movement
Slumping is like a geological landslide that happens on riverbanks and coastal cliffs made of clay. When water erodes the bottom of the cliff and heavy rainfall saturates the soil, gravity takes over and whole sections slide downward in a curved motion.
Rock fall is the dramatic result of freeze-thaw weathering on cliff faces and valley sides. Weathered rock fragments break away and tumble down, creating piles of broken rock called scree at the bottom.
These processes might seem destructive, but they're essential for creating the varied landscapes we see today. From the scree slopes on mountains to the curved scars left by slumping, these forces constantly reshape our world.
Did You Know: Rock fall creates those cone-shaped piles of rocks you see at the bottom of cliffs - that's scree, and it's evidence of ongoing weathering!
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Erosion and Mass Movement: Comprehensive Guide
I
isaac
@isaac_pcpe
Ever wondered how rivers carve valleys or how cliffs crumble into the sea? Erosion and weathering are the powerful forces that constantly reshape our landscape. Understanding these processes will help you make sense of everything from why mountains have jagged... Show more
Erosion Processes
Hydraulic action is like nature's jackhammer - waves crash against cliffs and force air into tiny cracks in the rock. When this trapped air gets compressed, it creates massive pressure that widens the cracks until chunks of rock break away.
Attrition happens when rocks become nature's tumble dryer. As water carries rocks along, they constantly bash into each other, gradually wearing down into smaller, rounder pebbles. Think of how sharp glass becomes smooth sea glass after years in the ocean.
Abrasion (also called corrasion) is when moving water picks up particles and uses them like sandpaper. These particles scrape against riverbanks, sea cliffs, and riverbeds, slowly wearing them away and making rivers deeper and wider over time.
Quick Tip: Remember that hydraulic action uses water pressure, attrition is rocks hitting rocks, and abrasion is particles scraping surfaces!
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Chemical Processes and Biological Weathering
Corrosion might sound scary, but it's simply rocks dissolving in slightly acidic water - like how sugar dissolves in your tea. This process slowly eats away at certain types of rock, especially limestone.
Biological weathering proves that plants are stronger than you'd think! Tree roots can grow into tiny cracks in rocks and, as they expand, they literally split the rock apart. This slow but powerful process helps create dramatic coastal stacks and contributes to valley formation.
Chemical weathering happens because rainwater is naturally acidic (don't worry, it won't hurt you!). This weak acid reacts with certain rocks, causing them to dissolve over time. You'll often see this process at work where waterfalls form - the acid dissolves softer rocks faster than harder ones.
Remember: Chemical and biological weathering work slowly but steadily - like nature's way of recycling rocks!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mechanical Weathering and Mass Movement
Mechanical weathering is nature's most explosive process! Water seeps into cracks, freezes when temperatures drop below 0°C, and expands with incredible force. This repeated freezing and thawing eventually splits rocks apart completely.
Mass movement is gravity's way of moving material downhill. Sliding occurs when soil particles slowly creep down valley sides due to gravity, making slopes steeper and adding sediment to rivers at the bottom.
This process might seem gentle, but over time it significantly changes the shape of valleys and contributes to erosion at the base of slopes.
Key Point: Freeze-thaw weathering is most effective in areas where temperatures regularly cross 0°C - that's why mountain peaks are often jagged and broken!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
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Advanced Mass Movement
Slumping is like a geological landslide that happens on riverbanks and coastal cliffs made of clay. When water erodes the bottom of the cliff and heavy rainfall saturates the soil, gravity takes over and whole sections slide downward in a curved motion.
Rock fall is the dramatic result of freeze-thaw weathering on cliff faces and valley sides. Weathered rock fragments break away and tumble down, creating piles of broken rock called scree at the bottom.
These processes might seem destructive, but they're essential for creating the varied landscapes we see today. From the scree slopes on mountains to the curved scars left by slumping, these forces constantly reshape our world.
Did You Know: Rock fall creates those cone-shaped piles of rocks you see at the bottom of cliffs - that's scree, and it's evidence of ongoing weathering!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
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Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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