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Natural slopes are those that exist in nature and are formed by natural causes. Such slopes exist in hilly areas. The sides of cuttings, the slopes of embankments constructed for roads, railway lines, canals etc. and the slopes of earth dams constructed for storing water are examples of man made slopes. The slopes whether natural or artificial may be

1. Infinite slopes 2. Finite slopes

The term infinite slope is used to designate a constant slope of infinite extent. The long slope of the face of a mountain is an example of this type, whereas finite slopes are limited in extent. The slopes of embankments and earth dams are examples of finite slopes. The slope length depends on the height of the dam or embankment.