What process is described as the wearing away of the Earth's surface by water, ice, or wind?

The process described as the wearing away of the Earth's surface by water, ice, or wind is erosion. Erosion involves the movement of soil and rock particles from one location to another, primarily through the action of environmental forces such as flowing water, glacial ice, or wind. This process can lead to significant changes in the landscape, as it can shape valleys, transport sediments, and alter ecosystems over time.

Weathering, which is distinct from erosion, refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface through chemical, physical, or biological processes. While weathering prepares materials for erosion by breaking them down, it does not involve the movement of those materials.

Glaciation refers specifically to the process of land being covered by glaciers, which can contribute to erosion but is more about the period when such ice sheets are prevalent. Deposition, on the other hand, is the process by which sediments and soil settle or are laid down in a new location after being transported by erosion. Thus, erosion encompasses the entire process of wearing away and transporting Earth’s materials, making it the most fitting answer in this context.