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Examine, with reference to one of the following, how human activities can impact on surface processes: - Mass movement processes - River processes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2009
Question C
Examine, with reference to one of the following, how human activities can impact on surface processes: - Mass movement processes - River processes. - Coastal proces... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine, with reference to one of the following, how human activities can impact on surface processes: - Mass movement processes - River processes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2009
Step 1
Impact identified: Mass movement processes
Answer
Human activities, such as deforestation and construction, can significantly impact mass movement processes. Deforestation removes vegetation that stabilizes soil, making it more susceptible to landslides. Construction activities often alter natural drainage patterns, increasing soil erosion and mass movement events.
Step 2
Step 3
Reference to surface processes
Answer
These mass movements can result in immediate changes to the landscape, altering surface processes such as soil erosion and sediment transport. As landslides occur, they can lead to the deposition of materials in new areas, affecting local ecosystems and human infrastructure.
Step 4
Discussion
Answer
The impact of human activities on mass movement processes is profound. Deforestation, urbanization, and road construction not only destabilize slopes but also influence hydrological cycles, increasing the risk of mass movements.
For instance, after heavy rainfall, the likelihood of landslides increases in deforested areas. Additionally, construction activities that involve cutting into hillsides can exacerbate this issue, as they disrupt the natural vegetation and soil structure that would typically provide stability.
Moreover, the effects are not isolated; they can lead to a chain reaction affecting local water bodies. Increased sedimentation in rivers, caused by eroded materials from landslides, can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems. Thus, human activities have critical implications for surface processes, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management practices.