soil creep
Soil creep is a slow, gradual movement of soil down a slope due to gravity. This process occurs when soil particles are displaced by factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, wetting and drying, or the growth of plant roots. Over time, this movement can lead to noticeable changes in the landscape, such as tilted trees or fences.
The rate of soil creep is typically very slow, often measured in millimeters per year. While it may not seem significant, it can contribute to larger geological processes and affect the stability of structures built on sloped terrain. Understanding soil creep is important for land management and construction planning.