Opens in a new tab

Letter EGeology glossary

Erosion

Erosion is the process by which soil, rock, and other surface materials are removed from one location and transported to another by natural agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. Erosion shapes landscapes, forms sedimentary deposits, and plays a critical role in the rock cycle and the formation of various geological features.

Scenic view of the Grand Canyon cliffs (erosion)
Fig. 1 Scenic view of the Grand Canyon cliffs (erosion)

Source Montgomery, D. R. (2007). “Soil Erosion and Agricultural Sustainability.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(33), 13268-13272.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.