The breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, waters, and biological organisms is a fundamental process shaping landscapes. This breakdown, coupled with the subsequent movement of the resulting material by natural forces, and its eventual accumulation in a new location, constitute a sequence of interconnected actions. For example, wind and rain gradually disintegrate a mountain range (breakdown), the resulting sediment is carried downstream by a river (movement), and the sediment is ultimately deposited at the river’s delta, forming new land (accumulation).
Understanding these processes is crucial for several reasons. They influence soil formation, impacting agriculture and ecosystem health. Furthermore, they play a significant role in shaping coastlines, creating geological features, and determining the distribution of natural resources. Historically, awareness of these phenomena has informed land management practices, aiding in the prevention of soil erosion and the mitigation of natural hazards.
