gravity causing rock or sediment to move downhill
hint
12 letters
The term you are looking for is "gravitational erosion."
Explanation:
Gravity plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface by causing the movement of rocks and sediments downhill. This movement is known as gravitational erosion. It occurs when the force of gravity overcomes the resistance of friction and causes loose materials to slide, flow, or roll down slopes.
To determine the answer to your question using the hint provided, you can count the number of letters in the term "gravitational erosion," which is 18 letters. However, since the hint mentions 12 letters, it is necessary to find a word or phrase with the specified number of letters that is a synonym or closely related to gravitational erosion.
One appropriate term would be "mass wasting." Mass wasting refers to the downslope movement of rock and sediment under the influence of gravity. It includes various processes such as landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, and slumps.
Therefore, "mass wasting" (12 letters) is the answer to your question. It represents gravity-induced movement of rocks and sediments downhill.