Sliding (or mudflow) – Occurs after periods of heavy rain when loose surface material becomes saturated and the extra weight causes the material to become unstable and move rapidly downhill, sometimes in an almost fluid state

To remember the meaning of the term Sliding, use the following mnemonic:

Sliding (sliding) mud pies downhill in the pouring rain made them flow like water.

Sliding involves the movement of material en masse, meaning the material remains together until impacting the bottom of the slope.

A slide happens when a section of soil or rock suddenly gives way and the material moves along a slippery zone, which is often made up of wet sediment.