In physical geography, landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are all examples of which broader geomorphic process?

Introduction / Context:
Earth surface processes constantly shape and reshape landscapes. Physical geography distinguishes between processes that move material and those that simply break it down. Terms such as landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep describe different types of downslope movement of rock and soil, and they are grouped under a single broader category that learners are expected to know.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The phenomena listed are landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep. • Four possible process categories are given: runoff, soil formation, mechanical weathering and mass movement. • The task is to select the most appropriate overarching category for these examples.

Concept / Approach:
Mass movement, also called mass wasting, refers to the downslope movement of soil, rock debris or earth material under the influence of gravity, with or without the direct action of running water. Landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are classic examples of different types of mass movement. Runoff refers to flowing surface water, soil formation describes the development of soil horizons, and mechanical weathering focuses on breaking rock into smaller pieces without moving it downslope.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify what all four examples have in common: in each case, material moves downslope due to gravity. Step 2: Recall the definition of mass movement as gravity driven movement of rock and soil from higher to lower ground. Step 3: Match this concept with the options and see that mass movement is the only category that fits all the named processes.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard physical geography texts group landslides, mudflows, slumps and soil creep together under the heading of mass wasting or mass movement. The other categories are treated as separate processes that may interact with mass movement but are not the same concept.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Runoff) refers to water flowing over the land surface; although runoff can trigger landslides, the term itself does not describe the movement of rock and soil. Option B (Soil formation) is about how soil develops from parent rock through weathering and organic processes, not about movement downslope. Option C (Mechanical weathering) breaks rocks into smaller fragments in place but does not include the actual transport of these fragments by gravity.

Common Pitfalls:
• Some learners confuse weathering and mass movement, assuming that any change to rock is weathering, even when large blocks slide downslope. • Others focus on water involvement and choose runoff, forgetting that gravity is the main driving force in mass movement.

Final Answer:
Landslides, mudflows, slumps and creep are all examples of mass movement.