Here's why:
* Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through direct contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms.
* Erosion is the movement of weathered material from one location to another, typically by wind, water, or ice.
Denudation encompasses both of these processes, referring to the overall wearing away and lowering of the Earth's surface. It highlights the combined effect of weathering and erosion in shaping the landscape.
Other terms you might encounter that are related, but not as precise:
* Geomorphic processes: This is a broader term that includes all processes that shape the Earth's surface, not just weathering and erosion.
* Landform development: This term emphasizes the formation of landforms, but doesn't specifically describe the wearing away process.
Therefore, denudation is the most appropriate and specific term to describe the combined processes of weathering and erosion.
