Top Soil
Removing the top layer of soil, vegetation,
and debris to expose the underlying subsoil,
usually done before major construction begins.
Earth
Preparing the soil; the layer below the topsoil, typically for the purpose of construction. Basement excavation and trench excavating is in this category.
Cut & Fill
Also known as stripping excavation, this type of excavation is used to clear large areas. This involves the removal of wide and shallow layers of topsoil, rocks, sand, vegetation, and other unwanted materials. Grading the area is typical with cut and fill excavation.