Which process involves the wearing away and removal of surface materials?

The process that involves the wearing away and removal of surface materials is erosion. Erosion refers to the movement of soil, rock, and other surface material from one location to another, typically due to natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. During erosion, these materials are not only worn away but also transported, leading to changes in the landscape over time.

In contrast, deposition relates to the accumulation or laying down of sediments in a new location, rather than their removal. Orogeny involves the formation of mountains through tectonic activities and is not focused on the removal of surface materials. Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller pieces due to exposure to atmospheric and environmental conditions, but it does not necessarily involve the movement of those materials away from their original location. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the concept of how various geological processes operate differently in shaping the Earth's surface.