Final answer:
Deposition is the placement of sediments in a new location, whereas erosion is the process by which sediments are carried away. The transported sediments can later form sedimentary rocks through lithification, which includes compaction and cementation. These geological processes are fundamental in shaping Earth's landforms and contributing to soil fertility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deposition is the process of sediment being placed in a new location. When sediment is carried away, this process is called erosion. Through the actions of water, wind, and ice, erosion transports fragments of rock and soil from one place to another. Over time, these processes significantly shape the Earth’s surface, creating river valleys, coastlines, and various other landforms.
Through the weathering and erosion processes, minerals dissolved in water are also instrumental for the ecosystem, providing nutrients for plant and animal life. Subsequently, the sediment deposition in new locations contributes to the formation of sedimentary rocks through compaction and cementation.
This lithification process turns loose grains of sediment into solid rock, essentially recording the Earth's geological history in stratified layers.
Erosional processes also play a role in the soil building process, contributing to the development of fertile land by breaking down rocks into smaller particles that can support plant life. This demonstrates how physical geography is intertwined with the environments of different regions.