What term describes the act of depositing or laying down materials through natural processes?

The term that describes the act of depositing or laying down materials through natural processes is deposition. This geological process occurs when sediments, soil, and rocks are added to landforms or land masses. Deposition usually happens as a result of various natural forces, such as water, wind, or ice, which transport materials from one location and settle them in another. This process plays a crucial role in the formation of different landscapes, including deltas, riverbanks, and beaches, as it shapes the earth's surface over time.

Other terms such as weathering, erosion, and construction pertain to different processes. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface, while erosion is the removal and transportation of those weathered materials. Construction, in contrast, typically refers to human-made environments or structures rather than natural processes. Understanding these definitions helps to clarify the unique role that deposition plays in the natural world.