Overview
This lecture introduces erosion, focusing on dramatic examples of rockfall caused by gravity to illustrate the power of natural processes.
Introduction to Erosion
- Erosion is the process where natural forces move rocks and soil from one place to another.
- Erosion can occur through different agents like water, wind, ice, and gravity.
Erosion by Gravity: Rockfall
- Rockfall is a type of erosion where rocks move quickly down a slope due to gravity.
- Large boulders can break loose and tumble down hillsides or mountains.
- Rockfalls often result in a pile of angular rocks at the base of a slope.
- Videos were shown of rockfalls in Switzerland and Taiwan as examples of powerful and sudden erosion events.
- Rockfall can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable, as demonstrated by close encounters caught on video.
Mass Movement
- Mass movement refers to the movement of large amounts of earth material (like rocks or soil) down a slope due to gravity.
- Rockfall is one specific type of mass movement.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Erosion — The process by which natural forces move weathered rock and soil from one place to another.
- Rockfall — A sudden movement of rocks down a slope due to gravity.
- Mass Movement — The downhill movement of soil and rock caused by gravity.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Copy the notes on erosion as the lecture progresses.
- Pause the video as needed to write down information.
- Pay attention to pictures and explanations for better understanding.