What is described as a slow, small-scale process of soil movement?

The process described as a slow, small-scale movement of soil is heave or creep. Soil creep refers to the gradual, imperceptible downward movement of soil and rock material on a slope. This occurs due to the influence of gravity and is often exacerbated by factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, where moisture causes soil particles to expand and contract, leading to their slow shift. As a result, over time, this can lead to noticeable changes in the landscape, like tilted fences, trees, or structures.

Erosion, while related to the movement of soil, generally involves the removal and transport of surface material by wind, water, or ice and does not specifically refer to the slow, subtle displacement characteristic of creep. Mass wasting refers to a range of processes whereby soil, rock, and other earth materials move down slope under the influence of gravity more rapidly than creep. Surface runoff describes the flow of water over the ground surface, which can lead to erosion but is distinct from the gradual movement of soil itself. Thus, heave or creep accurately represents the slow and continuous process of soil movement.