<P> When the gravitational force acting on a slope exceeds its resisting force , slope failure ( mass wasting ) occurs . The slope material 's strength and cohesion and the amount of internal friction between material help maintain the slope 's stability and are known collectively as the slope 's shear strength . The steepest angle that a cohesionless slope can maintain without losing its stability is known as its angle of repose . When a slope made of loose material possesses this angle , its shear strength perfectly counterbalances the force of gravity acting upon it . </P>
<P> When the gravitational force acting on a slope exceeds its resisting force , slope failure ( mass wasting ) occurs . The slope material 's strength and cohesion and the amount of internal friction between material help maintain the slope 's stability and are known collectively as the slope 's shear strength . The steepest angle that a cohesionless slope can maintain without losing its stability is known as its angle of repose . When a slope made of loose material possesses this angle , its shear strength perfectly counterbalances the force of gravity acting upon it . </P>
where is mass wasting most likely to occur
where is mass wasting most likely to occur
on a slope
on a slope