Final answer:
Subsidence is the process of lowering land surface by erosion and involves the downward motion of land due to various geological factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of lowering land surface by erosion is known as subsidence. Subsidence involves the downward motion of land and can be caused by various factors including soil compaction, extraction of natural resources like natural gas or minerals, and ground or water withdrawal. This natural process can also occur due to earthquakes, glacial isostatic adjustment, erosion, sinkhole formation, or sediment loading. Erosion, in particular, can significantly shape the Earth's surface by transporting sediments and altering landforms over time.