Which term refers to the gradual process of water wearing away the land?

The term that refers to the gradual process of water wearing away the land is erosion. This process occurs when water flows over soil and rock surfaces, gradually breaking down and removing particles from the land. Erosion can influence the landscape by shaping valleys, creating riverbanks, and altering terrain over time. Water is a powerful agent of erosion as it can carry sediments away, transporting them to different locations, which can lead to the formation of new landforms.

Other terms you might encounter in the context of this question include deposition, which involves the laying down of material that has been eroded, and transportation, referring to the movement of eroded materials. Evaporation describes the process of liquid water transforming into water vapor, which is not directly related to the wearing away of land. Understanding these terms is essential in grasping the dynamics of river systems and their impact on the surrounding environment.