What is the process called when soil is moved by wind or water undesirably?

The process referred to when soil is moved by wind or water undesirably is known as erosion. Erosion involves the wearing away and removal of soil and rock fragments from one location and their transportation to another. This often happens through natural forces, where water can wash away soil during heavy rains or wind can carry away fine particles in dry, windy conditions. Erosion can lead to significant negative impacts on land fertility, water quality, and the overall health of ecosystems.

Compaction refers to the process where soil particles are pressed closely together, reducing the pore spaces between them, which can affect water infiltration and root growth. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth’s surface through various processes, such as physical, chemical, or biological actions, but it does not necessarily involve the movement of soil. Leaching is the process through which water-soluble substances, such as nutrients, are washed out of the soil. While leaching can occur as a consequence of erosion, it is a different process specifically related to the removal of soluble substances rather than the physical movement of soil itself.