Which geological process is responsible for transporting sediments away from their original location?

The process responsible for transporting sediments away from their original location is erosion. Erosion involves the movement of soil and rock material from one place to another, typically through agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. When erosion occurs, it dislodges particles and carries them, often for considerable distances, redistributing sediments across the landscape.

In contrast, weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles through physical, chemical, or biological processes, but does not involve the movement of those particles. Deposition occurs after erosion, where the transported sediments are finally laid down in a new location, which means the material has already been moved. Compression is a geological process related to the folding and buckling of rock layers, not directly involved in the transport of sediments. Understanding the distinction between these processes is crucial for grasping how landscapes are shaped over time.