Mass wasting may occur as a result of this erosion. The mass wasting process is simply an attempt by the natural system to restore equilibrium. The downslope movement will continue until the slope is once again at or below the critical angle. Humans also upset conditions of equilibrium on a slope. Consider what happens when we build highways, such as US 61 along the Mississippi River on the Minnesota side.
Slopes are undercut in order to make space for the road, and slopes are therefore steepened.
This results in a condition of instability. Mass wasting will occur to restore equilibrium. Downslope movement will continue until the critical angle is reestablished. Humans act in another way to unwittingly cause mass wasting. Mass wasting will ultimately occur to restore the slope to an angle less than critical.