The process of erosion can best be described as the movement of weathered materials by —

• A. wind, water, or ice
• B. chemical reactions with atmospheric gases
• C. the accumulation of organic matter
• D. the breakdown of rocks by plant roots

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of erosion: Erosion is the process by which weathered materials, such as soil, rock, and sediment, are transported from one location to another by natural forces.
2. Identify the key agents of erosion: The primary agents responsible for moving weathered materials are wind, water, and ice. These forces can carry particles over long distances.
3. Differentiate erosion from other processes: Erosion involves the movement of materials, whereas weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals in place. For example, chemical reactions with atmospheric gases or the breakdown of rocks by plant roots are weathering processes, not erosion.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Chemical reactions with atmospheric gases and the breakdown of rocks by plant roots describe weathering, not erosion. Similarly, the accumulation of organic matter is unrelated to the movement of weathered materials.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The movement of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice is the best description of erosion, as these are the primary forces responsible for transporting materials.