Final answer:
Erosion is the process of breaking down and moving soil or rock from mountains or cliffs, greatly influenced by water, wind, ice, and human activities like deforestation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breaking down of a mass of soil or rock from a mountain or cliff is called erosion. Erosion is a natural process, facilitated by factors such as water, wind, and ice, which leads to the transportation and deposition of soil and rock materials. Over time, weathering—a combination of physical and chemical processes—breaks down rocks into smaller pieces. These pieces are then moved by agents like water, contributing to the shaping of landscapes, such as river valleys, cliffs, and coastal lines.
Furthermore, human activities like deforestation can significantly accelerate erosion by removing vegetation that protects the soil from erosion. On a geological scale, tectonic plate movements and associated phenomena can also contribute to mass wasting events, such as landslides, that result in the redistribution of soil and rock.
The breaking down of a mass of soil or rock from a mountain or cliff is called weathering. Weathering is the process by which rocks are physically or chemically broken down into smaller fragments or particles. It is a natural process that is influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, wind, and vegetation.