What is slumping in geological terms?

Slumping refers to the mass movement of wet soil and rocks down a slope. This geological process typically occurs when the saturation of soil and underlying materials increases due to rainfall or melting snow, leading to instability. The weight of the saturated material causes it to slide down the slope in a rotational manner, often resulting in a characteristic curved scar or depression at the top of the slump and a bulging lobe at the bottom. This movement can significantly reshape the landscape and contribute to erosion.

In contrast, the other options represent different geological processes. The first option refers to rock movement during seismic activity, which is more associated with earthquakes. The third option describes cave systems collapsing, a process quite distinct from slumping, as it involves underground features. The fourth option deals with erosion occurring over time, which is a gradual process and not necessarily connected to the sudden movement of materials down a slope. Thus, the definition of slumping aligns specifically with the movement of wet soil and rocks, highlighting its unique characteristics within geological phenomena.