Which one of the following processes is a gradational process?

The correct answer is Erosion.

Key Points

• The phenomenon of wearing down of relief variation of the surface of the earth through erosion is known as gradation.
  • Water, wave, wind, ice etc are the important gradational agents which act on the surface of the earth. 
  • These forces break up rock materials erode them, transport them, and deposit them.
• Erosion is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.
  • ​In chemical erosion, rock’s chemical composition changes. e.g: when limestone dissolves due to carbonation. 
    In physical erosion, the rock breaks down but its chemical composition remains unaltered. e.g: during a landslide.

Additional Information

• The deposition is the opposite process of erosion.
• Volcanism is the phenomenon of eruption of molten rock, volcanic gases to the surface through a vent.
• Diastrophism is the deformation of the Earth’s crust due to deforming movements like folding, faulting, warping etc.