Degradation

The geologic process by means of which various parts of the surface of the earth are worn down and carried away and their general level lowered, by the action of wind and water.

In hydrologic terms, the geologic process by means of which various parts of the surface of the earth are worn down and carried away and their general level lowered, by the action of wind and water.

The deterioration in quality, level, or standard of performance of a functional unit. 2. In communications, a condition in which one or more of the required performance parameters fall outside predetermined limits, resulting in a lower quality of service. Note: Degradation is usually categorized as either "graceful" or "catastrophic."

Any decline in the quality of natural or cultural resources, or the viability of ecosystems that is caused directly or indirectly by humans (NEAP, 2000).