Question

If the hillside in this diagram gets wet, which of the following will decrease and likely trigger the block to move?

a) Friction between the block and the hillside.
b) Saturation of the soil.
c) Consolidation of the underlying rock.
d) Increase in vegetation cover.

Answer 1

The likely trigger for the block to move when the hillside gets wet is saturation of the soil. Other factors like friction between the block and the hillside and increase in vegetation cover might have some impact, but they are less likely to directly trigger the block to move.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely trigger for the block to move when the hillside gets wet is saturation of the soil.

When the soil becomes saturated with water, it loses its strength and cohesion, making it easier for the block to slide down the hill.

Other factors like friction between the block and the hillside and the increase in vegetation cover might have some impact, but they are less likely to directly trigger the block to move.