The primary agent of erosion in nature is water. This includes rainfall, rivers, and ocean waves, which can gradually wear down rock and soil. Water erosion can take several forms, such as raindrop erosion, sheet erosion, and gully erosion. While wind and ice also contribute to erosion processes, the versatility and prevalence of water make it the dominant force. Erosion shapes landscapes, creates sedimentary deposits, and plays a critical role in the rock cycle.