What does 'erosion' refer to in the context of land?

Erosion refers to the gradual loss of land through processes such as water, wind, and ice that wear away and transport soil and rock materials. This phenomenon occurs when the natural elements remove surface materials, often leading to the exposure of underlying layers and altering the landscape over time. In the context of land, erosion can significantly affect soil stability, agricultural productivity, and the integrity of ecosystems.

Understanding erosion is crucial for land management and conservation efforts, as it can lead to significant environmental issues, such as loss of arable land and increased sedimentation in waterways. In contrast, the other options relate to different geological processes: soil formation involves the creation of new soil; deposition refers to the accumulation of sediments, building up land rather than eroding it; and temporary flooding is a water-related phenomenon not directly tied to the loss of land.