Final answer:
Creep, rockfall, landslide, and slump can all cause mass movement of rock down a steep slope. However, rockfall and landslide often result in rapid movement, while creep tends to be slower. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and heavy rainfall are common triggers for these events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creep, rockfall, landslide, and slump are all geological processes that can involve the rapid mass movement of rock down a steep slope. Rockfalls and landslides, in particular, are characterized by the sudden and rapid descent of rock and material. Events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and heavy rainfall are known triggers that can destabilize a slope and contribute to these hazardous movements. Creep is a much slower process of mass wasting, while rockfall and landslide are typically more rapid and potentially more destructive due to their swift onset and the large volume of material that can be involved.
Landslides can also result in significant environmental and structural damage by disrupting ecosystems, damaging property, and even resulting in loss of life. They are part of the broader category of mass wasting, which is the downslope movement of soil and rock due to gravity. It's important to recognize that tree roots and vegetation can help to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides.