Question

Clays are sometimes instrumental in mass movements because of their ability to ________.

A) move uphill
B) capture sunlight
C) become translucent
D) absorb water
E) become smaller over time

Answer 1

Clays are important in mass movements as they can absorb water, increasing their volume and reducing their structural integrity, leading to landslides and earth flows.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clays are sometimes instrumental in mass movements because of their ability to absorb water. When clays absorb water, they can change in volume and lose strength, which makes them more susceptible to movement under the force of gravity. The fine particles of silt in the clay contribute to its plasticity, and when combined with water, the clay becomes cohesive, which can lead to a behavior known as thixotropy where the clay transforms from a solid to a liquid state under stress. This process can have significant geotechnical consequences when it happens on a large enough scale and contributes to various types of landslides and earth flows that are major components of mass wasting events.