Mass wasting, also known as slope movement or mass movement, refers to the downhill movement of soil, rock, and other materials under the influence of gravity. It is a natural process that occurs when the forces acting on a slope exceed its resistance to those forces, causing the materials on the slope to move downward.

Mass wasting can be classified based on the type of material involved, the speed of movement, and the nature of the movement. For example, landslides involve the sudden and rapid movement of rock and soil down a slope, while creep involves the gradual, slow movement of soil downhill over time. Other examples of mass wasting include rockfalls, debris flows, and mudslides.

Mass wasting can be triggered by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and human activities such as mining and construction. The consequences of mass wasting can range from minor soil erosion to major landslides that can cause significant property damage, loss of life, and environmental damage.