The authors investigated the distribution of mass movements in the Loess Plateau by means of field survey and mapping based on the magnitude and frequency of them.We found the following regional characteristics of mass movement occurrence:(1) mass movements broadly occur along river valleys in the Loess Plateau;(2) the occurrence obviously shows regional difference;(3) the geological and geomorphological conditions strongly affect the occurrence and distribution of mass movements.For instance,sink holes mainly occur at the place where carbonate rock exists,large landslides occur along the cliffs that have a great altitudinal difference,small and frequent landslides and mud flows occur at the place where drainage density is high,and great mud flows occur with the large drainage area.These results indicate that the geological and geomorphological conditions must be considered in order to prevent mass movements in the Loess Plateau.