Final answer:
Mass movement processes are gravity-driven movements of soil and rock, such as landslides, mudflows, rockfalls, and avalanches, that can result in natural disasters and alter slope forms. These processes are influenced by factors like erosion, saturation from precipitation, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, and they play a key role in shaping the earth's landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mass movement processes are the downward and outward movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity. These processes can cause natural disasters when they result in events such as landslides, mudflows, rockfalls, and avalanches. These events often occur suddenly and with little to no warning, causing significant damage and sometimes loss of life.
These processes play a significant role in shaping the earth's surface by developing various slope forms. Over time, mass movement can transform steep slopes into more stable configurations, create new landforms, and alter existing ones. Understanding the factors that influence slope stability, such as slope angle and material strength, is essential for predicting mass movement occurrences and mitigating their impacts.