What term refers to the process of wearing away rocks and soil?

The correct term for the process of wearing away rocks and soil is erosion. Erosion involves the movement and transportation of sediment, soil, and rock particles from one location to another, primarily through water, wind, or ice. This process can lead to significant changes in landscapes, such as the formation of valleys, riverbanks, and coastlines.

Weathering, while a related term, refers to the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller particles through physical, chemical, or biological processes without the removal of material. Deposition describes the process by which sediment is deposited in a new location after being transported by erosion. Compaction is the process where sediments are compressed under pressure, typically over time leading to the formation of sedimentary rock.

Understanding these terms and their distinctions is crucial in the study of geology and environmental science as they describe different processes affecting the Earth's surface.