Tilting of tree trunks, poles and piling of soil behind a wall are effects of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which mass movement causes three visible signs: tilted tree trunks, tilted poles, and soil piling up behind a wall.

Step 2: Explain the concept Mass movement is the downslope movement of soil and rock under gravity. The types differ mainly in speed:

• Soil creep: very slow, almost imperceptible downhill movement of soil particles. It is seen only through its long-term effects.
• Mud flow: rapid movement of water-saturated soil and debris.
• Rock slide: sudden sliding of rock masses along a plane.
• Land slide: sudden, rapid movement of a large mass of earth and rock.

Step 3: Apply to the evidence Soil creep shows these classic signs on slopes:

• Trees and poles tilt downslope because the soil moves slowly beneath them.
• Walls and fences lean or crack, and soil gradually collects behind them as it moves down and is blocked.
• Trees often curve upward at the base as they try to grow vertically.

The other processes are fast and violent. They would uproot or bury trees and poles and destroy walls, not just tilt them or gradually pile soil behind them.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Soil creep.

Tip: Think "slow and gradual" for creep, which is why you see only its signs, such as tilted poles, leaning trees, and cracked walls. Whenever a question mentions slow, subtle evidence like this, choose soil creep.