What is erosion in the context of environmental science?

In the context of environmental science, erosion refers to the movement of rock and soil by wind, water, ice, or gravity. This process is a natural part of the Earth's geological cycle, where materials are worn away and transported from one location to another. Erosion plays a significant role in shaping landscapes, influencing ecosystems, and affecting soil quality.

As erosion occurs, it can lead to changes in topography and sediment deposition. For instance, when water flows over land, it can loosen soil particles and carry them downstream, resulting in sediment transport. Similarly, wind can pick up dust and smaller particles, relocating them far from their original location. This movement can have both positive and negative impacts on environments, as it contributes to the creation of new habitats, but also can lead to the degradation of soil quality and the loss of fertile land.

The other options presented focus on different processes: introducing new soil nutrients pertains to biological aspects of soil enhancement, decomposition of organic matter refers to the breakdown of dead plants and animals which enriches soil, and soil formation is a long-term process related to weathering and the accumulation of organic material. These processes are essential to ecology and soil science, but they do not define erosion, which is specifically about the physical removal and