denudation
Quick Summary
Denudation in geology refers to the overall process of wearing away and removing surface material from the Earth's crust. This encompasses weathering, which is the disintegration and alteration of rock in its natural position through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Erosion is a key component of denudation, involving the removal and transportation of weathered material by natural agents like water, wind, and ice.12
These processes shape the Earth's landforms, modifying features generated by tectonic activity. For example, excessive logging can denude a hillside of trees. The character of denudation is influenced by climate, leading to different expressions in vegetated, desert, or glacial environments.34
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