* Weathering: This is the breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through processes like freezing and thawing (frost wedging), chemical reactions (acid rain), or biological activity (tree roots). Weathering weakens the material, making it susceptible to movement.
* Erosion: This is the transport of weathered material by wind, water, ice, or gravity. In a landslide, gravity is the primary force driving the erosion of loosened material downhill.
* Deposition: This is the process of dropping or settling of eroded material. While deposition plays a role in shaping the landscape after a landslide, it's not the cause of the landslide itself.
In summary: Weathering weakens the slope, erosion moves the weakened material, and deposition reshapes the area after the landslide event.
