Why can the removal of vegetation trigger mass movements? The soil loses nutrients and begins to crumble. The plant roots bind the soil and regolith together. The shaking triggers mass movements. The plant roots lubricate the loose sediment.

When vegetation is removed, plant roots, which act as natural anchors, are no longer present to bind the soil and regolith together. This binding is crucial in maintaining the stability of slopes, so without it, the likelihood of soil erosion and landslides increases dramatically. Additionally, vegetation helps retain moisture in the soil. When plants are eliminated, the soil can dry out, causing it to become loose and more susceptible to sliding. In the absence of these stabilizing elements, any added weight or water can trigger mass movements, leading to potentially dangerous events like landslides.