NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

Which term describes the gradual washing away of soil by natural forces such as water?

1. Accretion

2. Erosion

3. Deposition

4. Reliction

The correct answer is: Erosion

The correct term that describes the gradual washing away of soil by natural forces such as water is erosion. Erosion is a natural process that involves the removal of soil and rock from one location and its transportation to another. It can be caused by various factors, including water flow, wind, ice, and even human activity. In the context of surveying, understanding erosion is crucial as it affects land use, landscape stability, and the integrity of property boundaries. Water erosion, for instance, occurs when rainfall or surface water runoff dislodges soil particles, carrying them away and reshaping the landscape. Recognizing the signs and effects of erosion is important for land management, construction planning, and environmental protection. The other terms relate to different phenomena in the context of land and soil. Accretion refers to the gradual increase in land area, often due to sediment deposition by natural forces. Deposition is the process where eroded materials are laid down in a new location, creating new landforms. Reliction is the gradual recession of water bodies, which can expose previously submerged land. Each of these processes is related to land and soil dynamics, but only erosion specifically addresses the washing away of soil.