The measure of detachment and movement of soil minerals and organic matter by wind and water is –

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Erosion

Explanation:
• Soil erosion is a geological process in which the topsoil—the most fertile layer—is worn away by physical forces like water, wind, and ice.
• The process consists of three distinct stages: detachment of soil particles, transportation of these particles, and finally, deposition in a new location.
• Water erosion often manifests as sheet, rill, or gully erosion, depending on the severity and path of the water flow.
• Wind erosion is more prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions where the soil is dry and lacks vegetative cover to hold it in place.
• Human activities, such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper farming techniques, significantly accelerate the natural rate of erosion.

Information Booster:
• World Soil Day is celebrated on 5th December to raise awareness about soil health.
• The 'Universal Soil Loss Equation' (USLE) is used to estimate annual soil loss.
• Contour bunding and terrace farming are key methods used to prevent soil erosion in hilly terrains.

Additional Knowledge:
• Corrosion (Option A): This is a chemical process where metals are degraded by reaction with the environment (e.g., rusting).
• Protection (Option C): In an environmental context, this refers to conservation efforts to prevent damage to resources.
• Horizon (Option D): This refers to a specific layer in a soil profile (e.g., O, A, B, C horizons) differentiated by physical and chemical characteristics.