What is the geological process by which wind or water wears away surfaces?

What is the geological process by which wind or water wears away surfaces?

• A. Weathering
• B. Erosion
• C. Abrasion
• D. Corrosion

Answer: (B)

Erosion describes the removal and transport of rock and soil by natural agents like wind and water. The question hinges on the action of wind or water wearing surfaces away and moving material, which is exactly what erosion involves. Weathering, by contrast, is the breakdown of rock in place without significant movement. Abrasion is a specific mechanism within erosion where carried particles grind against a surface, but erosion is the broader process described. Corrosion is chemical decay and not the general wearing away by wind or water.

Erosion describes the removal and transport of rock and soil by natural agents like wind and water. The question hinges on the action of wind or water wearing surfaces away and moving material, which is exactly what erosion involves. Weathering, by contrast, is the breakdown of rock in place without significant movement. Abrasion is a specific mechanism within erosion where carried particles grind against a surface, but erosion is the broader process described. Corrosion is chemical decay and not the general wearing away by wind or water.