What term is used for the slow, gradual movement of sediment or soil down a slope?

The term for the slow, gradual movement of sediment or soil down a slope is known as creep. Creep occurs due to various factors, including gravity, moisture changes, temperature fluctuations, and soil expansion and contraction. Over time, this movement is often imperceptible to the naked eye, but it can lead to significant changes in the landscape and can affect structures built on or near slopes.

Creep is characterized by its slow rate and consistent motion, which differentiates it from more rapid forms of mass wasting or slope movement that may occur suddenly after heavy rain or earthquakes. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for geologists, civil engineers, and land planners, as it can impact soil stability and the management of slopes in erosion-prone areas.

While translation, slip, and flow refer to other forms of movement or processes, they imply more active or rapid processes rather than the gradual and continuous nature of creep.