Which term describes the wearing away of surface soil by water and wind?

Which term describes the wearing away of surface soil by water and wind?

• A. Soil erosion
• B. Weathering
• C. Sedimentation
• D. Deposition

Answer: (A)

The main idea is soil erosion: the wearing away and removal of surface soil by agents like moving water and blowing wind. Erosion involves transporting soil from its original location, not just breaking it down in place. Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without necessarily moving them. Deposition and sedimentation describe what happens to eroded material when it settles and accumulates in a new place. So when rain or wind erodes the soil and carries it away, you’re looking at soil erosion.

The main idea is soil erosion: the wearing away and removal of surface soil by agents like moving water and blowing wind. Erosion involves transporting soil from its original location, not just breaking it down in place. Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces without necessarily moving them. Deposition and sedimentation describe what happens to eroded material when it settles and accumulates in a new place. So when rain or wind erodes the soil and carries it away, you’re looking at soil erosion.