The process of the Earth's surface getting weathered away over time is known as erosion.

Here's a breakdown:

* Weathering is the process where rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller pieces. This can happen due to factors like wind, rain, ice, and temperature changes.

* Erosion is the process of these weathered materials being transported away from their original location. This is often caused by wind, water, or ice.

So, while weathering is the initial breakdown, erosion is the actual movement and removal of the material, shaping the Earth's surface over long periods.