Consider a Weathered Rock or Soil Particle Lying on a Slope

question 63

Multiple Choice

Consider a weathered rock or soil particle lying on a slope. How will the gravitational force pulling the particle downward along the land surface vary with the inclination of the slope?

• A) It is not affected by the slope angle.
• B) It will increase as the slope angle is lessened.
• C) It will decrease as the slope angle is lessened.
• D) It will possibly increase or decrease as slope angle is lessened, depending upon other factors.

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Definitions:

Cutbank

A steep cut or slope formed by lateral erosion of a stream, especially on the outside bend of a channel.

Gradient

The rate of change of a quantity (e.g., temperature, pressure, or elevation) with respect to distance in a given direction.

Headwaters

The source of a river or stream, generally found in the high elevation areas from which the river originates.

Mouth

The location where a stream, river, or canyon ends, such as where a river enters the sea.