What role does erosion play in geology?

Erosion plays a significant role in geology by actively shaping the landscape. This process involves the wearing away of rocks and soil through natural forces such as water, wind, ice, and gravity. As erosion occurs, it alters landforms, such as mountains, valleys, and riverbanks, and creates new geological features over time. Additionally, erosion is responsible for the redistribution of sediments, carrying materials from one location and depositing them in another. This movement of sediments contributes to various geological processes and the formation of stratified layers in sedimentary rock. Overall, erosion is vital in transforming and sculpting the Earth's surface, making it a key factor in geological study and understanding landform evolution.