Question

Clay is a facilitator for mass wasting because clay ________.

A) dissolves when wet
B) absorbs water
C) particles are larger than sand
D) has solution cavities
E) particles are so small

Answer 1

Clay is a facilitator for mass wasting because clay particles are so small. The fine particles of silt in clay give it its plasticity, and when water is added, it becomes a cohesive product. Clay soils have many small spaces where water can reside, making it prone to erosion and mass wasting.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clay is a facilitator for mass wasting because clay particles are so small. The fine particles of silt in clay give it its plasticity, and when water is added, it becomes a cohesive product. Clay soils have many small spaces where water can reside, making it prone to erosion and mass wasting.