What are the three phases of erosion?

The correct choice identifies the three phases of erosion as detachment, transport, and deposition.

In the context of erosion, the process begins with detachment, where soil particles are loosened and separated from the soil mass due to factors such as water flow, wind, or mechanical action. This initial phase is critical as it marks the beginning of the erosion process.

Following detachment, the second phase is transport. In this phase, the loosened soil particles are carried away by agents such as water, wind, or gravity. The distance and manner in which these particles are transported can significantly impact the surrounding environment, affecting landscape change and sedimentation patterns in waterways.

Finally, the third phase, deposition, occurs when the transport mechanisms lose energy and can no longer carry the soil particles, leading to their settlement in a new location. This phase shapes the landscape by forming new soil layers, impacting ecosystems, and influencing the characteristics of sediment in rivers and lakes.

Understanding these phases is crucial for developing effective erosion control practices, which aim to minimize soil loss and maintain land stability.