Which process describes the natural wearing away of the Earth's surface?

The correct answer, geological erosion, refers to the broad process by which the Earth's surface undergoes changes due to the gradual wearing away and removal of soil and rock material. This process is driven by natural forces such as water, wind, ice, and gravity. Geological erosion encompasses the actions of all these forces over varied timescales, contributing to landscape evolution and formation of geological features.

While biological erosion focuses on the impact of living organisms, such as plant roots breaking apart rocks or animals digging into the soil, it is a subset of the larger geological erosion process. Wind erosion specifically highlights the role of wind in the transport of particles and is prominent in arid environments but does not encompass all forms of erosion, making it less comprehensive. Mechanical erosion, while relevant, generally refers to the physical disintegration of materials without the involvement of chemical processes, and it is typically a more specific category compared to geological erosion.

Geological erosion is crucial for understanding natural processes and landscape changes over time, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.