What is the process of gradual wearing away of land or rock by water referred to as?

The correct answer is erosion, which refers to the process through which land or rock is gradually worn away, primarily by the action of water, but also by wind and ice. This natural phenomenon results in the movement of sediment and the alteration of landscapes over time.

Erosion can occur in various ways; for example, riverbanks may be eroded by flowing water, leading to changes in river paths and the formation of valleys. The strength and speed of water can significantly influence how much erosion occurs; heavier rains can lead to more significant erosion with increased runoff.

Understanding erosion is vital in real estate and environmental studies as it affects land use, property values, and natural habitats. It's also an important factor in land management and conservation efforts. Properties near bodies of water may be vulnerable to erosion, affecting both structural integrity and land boundaries.

Other terms like accretion, avulsion, and reliction are related but describe different processes. Accretion refers to the gradual increase of land due to sediment deposition; avulsion refers to a sudden change in land boundary due to natural events; and reliction pertains to the gradual recession of water, exposing previously submerged land.