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Rock fall
By Lorraine , Heather, Kirsten and
Kate
Processes
• Rock fall is the rapid, free-fall of rock
from a steep cliff face. Rock fragments
fall from the face of the cliff because of the
action due to gravity. This is made worse
by freeze-thaw action loosening the rock.
A scree slope of fallen rock is formed at
the bottom of the cliff.
Diagram
Free Face
Lines of
weakness
Rocks bounce
down rather than
roll
Scree
accumulates at
slope foot forming
heaps of sharp
debris
Conditions
• The ground is vertical and dry to help the
process of rock fall to take place. The material
that is involved is varying sizes of rock.
• Rock fall usually occurs in colder, wetter
climates due to freeze thaw action, one of the
main processes, works best at these climates
• Bare, hard rock is very vulnerable to rockfall water enters the joint, freezes and expands,
cracking the rock.
• It is common at high altitudes where there is
poor soil and less vegetation.
Rock Fall