What phenomenon describes the gravitational movement of rock and debris?

Mass movement refers to the gravitational movement of rock and debris down slopes. This phenomenon encompasses various processes, including landslides, rockfalls, and creep, where material is pulled by gravity and shifts from higher to lower elevations.

Mass movement is particularly important in geology because it can significantly shape landscapes over time, creating features such as valleys and hillslopes. This process is influenced by factors such as the slope of the terrain, the type of material involved, moisture conditions, and vegetation or lack thereof.

In contrast, seismic activity refers to the vibrations of the Earth caused by the release of energy from faults or volcanic activity. Erosion involves the wearing away of rocks and soil through natural forces like water, wind, and ice, while weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles, often due to chemical, physical, or biological processes. Although all these processes play crucial roles in shaping geological features, it is mass movement specifically that deals with the immediate effects of gravity pulling material downhill.