NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

The process of gradually washing away soil is known as what?

1. Reliction

2. Accretion

3. Erosion

4. Restoration

The correct answer is: Erosion

The process described, where soil is gradually washed away, is known as erosion. Erosion involves the removal of soil and rock from one location and its transport to another, primarily due to water, wind, or ice. This natural process can significantly impact landscapes, affecting everything from agricultural land to the natural habitats of ecosystems. Over time, erosion can lead to the exposure of deeper soil layers or bedrock, the formation of canyons, and a reduction in soil fertility, particularly when topsoil is lost. The other terms provided refer to different processes: reliction pertains to the gradual recession of water, leading to the exposure of land that was previously submerged. Accretion involves the gradual buildup of sediments or soil in an area, while restoration usually refers to the process of returning a land area to a desired or original state, such as restoring a damaged ecosystem. Each of these terms defines distinct geological or environmental processes, which do not accurately describe the process of soil being washed away like erosion does.