Slumping is a type of mass movement that occurs when a coherent mass of loosely consolidated materials or a rock layer moves a short distance down a slope). The movement is characterized by sliding along a concave-upward or planar surface). The following are the key features of slumping:

• Process: The process of slumping begins when the base of a cliff is eroded by waves or streams, creating a wave-cut notch. The soft boulder clay holds rainwater and runoff, which saturates the clay and forms a slip plane. The weight of the saturated cliff causes it to slump.

• Characteristics: The cut which forms as the landmass breaks away from the slope is called the scarp and is often cliff-like and concave). In rotational slumps, the main slump block often breaks into a series of secondary slumps and associated scarps to form a stair-step pattern of displaced blocks. The upper surface of the blocks is rotated backward, forming depressions which may accumulate water to create ponds or swampy areas).

• Causes: Slumps frequently form due to removal of a slope base, either from natural or manmade processes. Stream or wave erosion, as well as road construction, are common instigators for slumping. Thorough wetting is a common cause, which explains why slumping is often associated with heavy rainfall, storm events, and earthflows).

Slumping is a significant process in geography, and it is important to understand its characteristics and causes to mitigate its effects.