Mass Wasting Mass wasting, or mass movements, involves the movement of earth materials in a downslope direction in response to gravity. Many of these events occur when the angle of repose becomes unstable and friction of a earth material mass is overcome. However, mass wasting also involves the slow, impreciptible degredation of slopes over time due to constant pull of gravity. Tools Quiz created by: Russell J. Wernlund This activity was created by a Quia Web subscriber. To learn how to make your own, just like this, click here.