Final answer:
Weathering and mass wasting are denudational processes that contribute to the shaping of the Earth's surface by breaking down materials, causing soil creation, and moving sediments downslope.
Step-by-step explanation:
Weathering and mass wasting can be classified as denudational processes. These processes involve the breaking down and removal of Earth's materials from higher elevations to lower areas, contributing to the shaping and leveling of the Earth's surface. Denudational processes stand in contrast to tectonic, mountain building, and constructive processes, which generally build up the Earth's surface or result from the movement of Earth's plates. Weathering, specifically, is the process that breaks down existing Earth materials, through mechanical and chemical means, leading to the creation of soil. Mass wasting involves the movement of soil and rock downslope due to gravity. Both processes are crucial in the cycle of erosion and sediment deposition which characterizes many earthly landscapes.