Which term describes the gradual wearing away of soil by natural elements?

The term that describes the gradual wearing away of soil by natural elements is erosion. Erosion involves the process of removal and transportation of soil and rock material by wind, water, ice, or gravity. This occurs over time due to natural forces, leading to changes in the landscape, such as the formation of valleys, cliffs, and riverbanks.

Understanding erosion is essential for surveyors and environmental professionals when assessing land development, planning for construction, and managing natural resources. It is also crucial for determining soil stability and predicting potential hazards in certain areas.

Alluvium refers to the sediment deposited by flowing water, often found in riverbeds and floodplains, but it does not describe the process of wearing away the soil itself. Accretion is the process of gradual accumulation of soil or sediment in a particular area, often as a result of deposition by water, contrasting with erosion. Reliction refers to the increased exposure of land due to receding water levels, which can create new land but is not the process of wearing away soil.