Unit 3 - Essays - Reducing Mass Movements

Question 1

‘Mass movements can never be effectively reduced.’ With the aid of one or more examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 1

‘Mass movements can never be effectively reduced.’ With the aid of one or more examples, how far do you agree?

Point: In densely populated, landslide-prone areas, sustained engineering interventions have proven effective in reducing mass movements.
Point: Real-time monitoring and predictive technology greatly improve early warning and emergency response.
Point: Despite progress, several factors limit how effectively mass movements can be reduced.
Point: The ability to reduce mass movements is uneven globally, depending on economic capacity, terrain, and governance.

Question 2

“With the aid of examples, evaluate attempts to reduce mass movement.”

Answer 2

“With the aid of examples, evaluate attempts to reduce mass movement.”

Point: Slope stabilisation techniques have significantly reduced deadly landslides in Hong Kong’s steep and urbanised terrain.
Point: Advanced monitoring allows authorities to respond proactively to imminent slope failures.
Point: Non-engineering approaches like zoning and education complement technical measures and reduce risk sustainably.
Point: Despite success, limitations remain due to maintenance gaps, rising rainfall, and natural slope neglect.

Question 3

With the aid of a case study, assess the extent to which human activity has increased the stability of slopes.

Answer 3

With the aid of a case study, assess the extent to which human activity has increased the stability of slopes.

Point: Engineering solutions have been a key way in which human activity has increased slope stability in Hong Kong.
Point: Technological advancements and real-time monitoring have enabled rapid responses to slope instability.
Point: Human activity has also contributed through planning regulations and public awareness.
Point: Despite major progress, some human-related factors still hinder slope stability.

Question 4

‘Attempts to reduce mass movement are not always successful.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 4

‘Attempts to reduce mass movement are not always successful.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Point: In some urban areas, slope stabilisation strategies have significantly reduced the risk of mass movement.
Point: Advanced technology and real-time monitoring systems have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
Point: Despite successes, not all mitigation strategies are effective, especially where compliance is inconsistent or spatial conditions hinder implementation.
Point: Long-term effectiveness is threatened by new climatic and environmental pressures.