1. the process whereby a compound is transformed into simpler compounds 2. the changing of a soil to a more highly leached and a more highly weathered condition —note degradation is usually accompanied by morphological changes such as development of an A₂ horizon 3. the erosion of stream beds or banks that occurs when instream sediment loads do not meet a stream's capacity (tractive force) to transport sediment —note degradation commonly occurs below reservoirs that trap sediments, when flow rates are increased, or when watershed erosion and sediment delivery rates to streams are significantly reduced —see aggradationThis definition last updated 10/25/2008