Sediment

Sediment refers to material deposited by running water, wind, ice, or gravity, comprising particles of rock, organic matter, and other debris. These materials range widely in size, from microscopic clay particles to massive gravel and cobbles, and are typically classified based on their source and composition. The deposition process involves weathering, erosion, transport, and eventual settling, leading to the accumulation of sedimentary layers. These layers, or strata, are crucial geological archives that record environmental changes over vast spans of time, providing evidence of past climates, biological activity, and geological processes. The study of sediment formation and structure contributes to understanding the Earth's history and the processes that shape planetary surfaces.