What is the process of gradual loss of land due to natural forces called?

The process of gradual loss of land due to natural forces is known as erosion. Erosion occurs when natural elements such as wind, water, and ice wear away soil and rock from the earth's surface. This can lead to a significant reduction in land area over time as materials are transported from one location to another. Erosion can take place in various environments, including hillsides, riverbanks, and coastlines, contributing to changes in landforms and impacting the surrounding ecosystems.

In contrast, accretion refers to the gradual addition of soil or land, typically through sediment deposition, effectively resulting in land gain rather than loss. Reliction is a legal term used to describe a situation where water bodies recede, exposing previously submerged land, and deposition is the process of sediments settling in a new location, which can also enhance land rather than diminish it. Understanding these terms helps in grasping the dynamics of landform changes in response to natural environmental interactions.