What process wears down mountains over time?

Erosion and weathering is the process that wears down mountains over time. Erosion involves the movement of earth materials from one place to another, typically through agents like water, wind, or ice, while weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles through various physical, chemical, or biological processes. Over long periods, these forces work together to shape landscapes, gradually wearing away mountain peaks, deepening valleys, and altering the entire topography of an area.

For instance, rain can infiltrate rocks, leading to chemical reactions that weaken them, while water runoff can carry away the loosened debris. Wind can erode exposed surfaces by sandblasting, while glaciers can scrape and carve out large sections of mountains as they move. Both processes are essential in the context of mountain formation and landscape alteration, ultimately leading to the gentle sloping hills we often see today rather than the stark peaks that might have originally been present.