Final answer:
Mass movement is classified by factors such as water content and speed of movement, which affect the behavior and risk of soil and rock movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The different types of mass movement, which refer to the downslope movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity, are classified using many different factors, including water content and speed of movement. Water content affects the cohesiveness of the material and its likelihood to flow or slide, while the speed of the movement can range from very slow, like soil creep, to rapid, such as landslides or mudflows. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for predicting and mitigating the risks associated with mass movement events.