The predominant agent of erosion on Earth is water. Water erosion occurs when water from rainfall or melting snow flows over the land surface, picking up and carrying away soil particles. This process can be accelerated by the presence of vegetation, which helps to slow down the flow of water and trap sediment. Water erosion is a major problem in many parts of the world, as it can lead to the loss of valuable topsoil, damage to infrastructure, and sedimentation of waterways.