Erosion can significantly impact landslides by weakening the stability of slopes. When erosion removes soil and vegetation from a slope, it can expose underlying rock formations that are more susceptible to weathering and fracturing. This can reduce the cohesion of the slope material, making it more prone to sliding when additional stress is applied, such as from heavy rainfall or earthquakes. In essence, erosion can act as a contributing factor that increases the risk of landslides occurring in an area.