Erosion is the process by which materials such as rock and soil are removed and transported by natural agents like water, wind, or ice. This distinguishes it from weathering and deposition.

Weathering involves breaking down or dissolving minerals within rock at its original location. This process prepares material for erosion and differentiates it from the physical movement of sediments.

Deposition is the process in which sediments are dropped and accumulate in new locations, forming layers or features such as deltas. It follows the processes of erosion and weathering in the rock cycle.

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks in their original location into smaller pieces. Unlike erosion, it does not involve the movement of these materials.

A delta is a landform created by the deposition of sediments carried by a river as it enters a slower-moving body of water. This example clearly contrasts with erosional features like canyons.

Water erodes soil and rock by lifting and transporting particles, especially during floods when water flow is strong. This process is a key component of erosion and helps shape landscapes over time.

Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of rocks through reactions with water, acids, and atmospheric gases. This process weakens the rock structure and facilitates further breakdown.

Erosion is greatly affected by factors such as vegetation, climate, and human activities. The color of a rock, however, does not influence the rate at which it erodes.

The term 'sediment load' refers to the collection of particles that a river carries along its course. This load is pivotal in shaping riverbeds and influencing deposition downstream.

Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are deposited, compacted, and cemented together through lithification. While erosion and weathering provide the raw material, deposition and subsequent lithification are key to rock formation.

Differential erosion occurs when softer rock erodes at a faster rate than harder rock, resulting in uneven landscapes with features such as cliffs. This process explains why certain rock formations stand out while adjacent areas are worn down.

Gravity-induced landslides occur when steep slopes cause mass movement, resulting in rapid sediment deposition at the base. The angle of the slope is a critical factor in determining the likelihood and speed of such events.

Vegetation minimizes erosion by stabilizing soil with its roots and absorbing water, which reduces the speed and volume of runoff. This natural barrier protects the land from being washed away by heavy rains or floods.

Wind acts as an agent of both erosion and transportation, particularly in dry, arid regions where water is limited. This process can form unique land features like sand dunes by moving and depositing fine particles.

A heavy rainstorm that results in flash floods can dramatically increase the energy of water flow, leading to rapid erosion. This sudden surge in water movement can strip soil and rock away much faster than normal conditions.

Human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and construction remove important natural vegetation that protects soil. This disturbance increases the vulnerability of the land to erosion by wind and water.

In a meandering river, the flow of water slows down on the inner bend, reducing its capacity to carry sediment. This decrease in velocity leads to the deposition of sediments, forming features such as point bars.

Lithification is the process that compacts and cements sediments together to form solid sedimentary rock. This transformation is essential to the rock cycle and occurs over long periods under pressure.

Glaciers act as powerful natural agents that both erode and deposit sediments. They erode landscapes through plucking and abrasion, and as they melt, they deposit the debris, reshaping the terrain over time.

Canyons form primarily through the persistent action of river erosion, which cuts deeply into bedrock over millions of years. This long-term process, coupled with weathering, results in the dramatic valleys observed in nature.