Which mechanism causes downslope soil movement during solifluction in periglacial environments?

💡 Explanation

During solifluction, the active layer thaws, causing a loss of soil cohesion because water fills pore spaces, reducing friction between particles and leading to slow downslope movement. Therefore, thaw-induced reduction of soil cohesion is the key mechanism, rather than frost heave, channel incision, or deflation which have different requirements.

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