Here is an exercise to help you learn to classify the different types of mass
wasting phenomena. Use the image library linked to the website below to learn
about mass wasting events and determine the type of mass wasting represented
by the unclassified images.
1. Go to the National Landslide
Hazards Program website operated by the United
States Geological Survey.
2. From the main page of the site, select the link for the National Landslide
Information Center.
3. After this page loads, Place your cursor over the Teacher/Student Information
link and follow the pop-up links to "Learning Web - Earth Hazards".
Click on "Earth Hazards".
4. Now, follow the link for "Landslides". Scroll down the page
and click on the link for "Landslide Images".
5. For each of the images listed below, determine the type of mass wasting
event that is represented:
a. Slide 2: (NOTE: try to decide first, then read the caption!).
b. Slide 11
c. Slide 18
d. Slide 22
6. Next, look at the evidence of mass wasting processes on Mars by visiting
Images
of Landslide on Mars. Examine each of the images below and try to classify
each type of mass wasting.
a. Landslide Deposits in Hebes Chasma taken 5 November 1997.
b. Landslide Deposit and Boulders in Ganges Chasma taken 26 October 1997.
c. Debris/Talus on Slopes in Noctis Labyrinthus taken 19 September 1997.