Final answer:
Creep is a gradual type of gravity erosion where soil slowly moves down a slope, which can create terraces on grassy areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creep is a type of erosion caused by gravity erosion. It occurs when the moisture in the soil freezes, causing the ground to expand. Upon thawing, the soil subsides vertically, which can create terraces on grassy slopes.
This process is an example of how gravity contributes to the slow, downward progression of soil and rock. Other factors like saturation from heavy rains or snowmelt, and earthquakes can also trigger landslides and more abrupt ground movements.
However, creep is distinctive for its gradual movement that often goes unnoticed over a long period of time.
Soil erosion is the denudation or wearing away of the upper layer of soil. It is a form of soil degradation.
This natural process is caused by the dynamic activity of erosive agents, that is, water, ice (glaciers), snow, air (wind), plants, and animals (including humans). In accordance with these agents, erosion is sometimes divided into water erosion, glacial erosion, snow erosion, wind (aeolian) erosion, zoogenic erosion and anthropogenic erosion such as tillage erosion.
Soil erosion may be a slow process that continues relatively unnoticed, or it may occur at an alarming rate causing a serious loss of topsoil.
The loss of soil from farmland may be reflected in reduced crop production potential, lower surface water quality and damaged drainage networks. Soil erosion could also cause sinkholes.