Final answer:
The process of mass movement along rock contacts or bedding planes is called mass wasting, a type of erosion influenced by gravity and other factors such as slope material strength and weather events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of mass movement along rock contacts or bedding planes is known as mass wasting. Mass wasting is a type of erosion that involves the downslope movement of soil and rock due to the force of gravity. Factors influencing mass wasting include slope angle, the strength of slope materials, and events like earthquakes or heavy rainfall.
There are various types of mass wasting, such as landslides, rockfalls, and mudflows. These movements can occur rapidly or slowly over time. Understanding mass wasting is important for mitigating its risks and for understanding the evolution of landscapes. When considering sedimentary layers, mass wasting can expose different strata and contribute to the process of weathering, which in turn influences soil formation and the creation of sediment deposits.