What is the process called that breaks down and carries away rock, sand, and soil?

The process that breaks down and carries away rock, sand, and soil is known as erosion. Erosion involves the movement of materials from one location to another, typically due to the action of water, wind, or ice. During this process, rock and soil are worn away, often leading to the formation of new landscapes and altering existing ones. For example, a river can erode its banks as it flows, thereby transporting sediments downstream.

Understanding erosion is crucial because it plays a significant role in shaping the Earth’s surface and can dramatically affect ecosystems and human activities. In contrast, glaciation refers to periods when extensive ice sheets cover significant portions of the Earth, while compacting pertains to the process of soil particles being pressed together, typically increasing soil density. Deposition, on the other hand, is the subsequent process where the materials carried away by erosion settle in a new location, forming new landforms but is distinct from the movement process itself.