Erosion is a natural process, not a discovery made by a single individual. It's been happening since the Earth was formed, and people have observed its effects for millennia.

However, understanding the processes and mechanisms behind erosion has been a gradual development throughout history:

* Ancient civilizations: People observed and understood the effects of erosion, especially in relation to agriculture and building structures. They used various techniques to prevent and manage erosion, like terracing and planting trees.

* Early scientists: Early scientists, like Aristotle (4th century BC), observed and described the effects of weathering and erosion, recognizing them as agents of landscape change.

* 18th and 19th centuries: Scientists like James Hutton and Charles Lyell contributed significantly to the understanding of geological processes, including erosion. Their work emphasized the immense timescale of geological events and the role of erosion in shaping the Earth's surface.

* Modern science: Today, erosion is a central topic in various fields like geology, geography, soil science, and environmental science. We have sophisticated tools to study erosion processes, including remote sensing, modeling, and laboratory experiments.

So, while we can't credit a single person with discovering erosion, it's been a continuous area of study and understanding for thousands of years, with many scientists and researchers contributing to our knowledge.