Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

What is erosion?

1. The gradual wearing away of the soil by natural elements

2. The process of land formation from sediment deposition

3. The gradual withdrawal of water from land

4. The sudden change in a river's course

The correct answer is: The gradual wearing away of the soil by natural elements

Erosion is defined as the gradual wearing away of the soil and rock from the Earth's surface due to the action of natural elements, such as wind, water, ice, and gravity. This process can result in the transport of soil and sediment from one location to another, playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape over time. In contrast, the other choices pertain to different geological processes. The formation of land from sediment deposition describes the process of deposition, which is the accumulation of materials rather than their removal. The withdrawal of water from land typically refers to processes such as drought or evapotranspiration, which do not relate directly to erosion. Finally, the sudden change in a river's course, while a significant geological event, is related to erosion in terms of landscape alteration, but it does not capture the gradual nature of erosion itself. Thus, the definition provided in the correct answer accurately encapsulates the essence of erosion as a gradual and natural process affecting the Earth's surface.