What does the word sediment mean?

1 Answer
Apr 9, 2016

Sediment is particles in a liquid that settle to the bottom, like sand.

Explanation:

An example of sediment is sand. It is eroded off of rocks, perhaps by water in the ocean, by currents perpetually passing them and exerting small amounts of force each time.

Sand is then carried by the water as small particles of rock (mostly #SiO_2#, silicon dioxide or silica) in currents of water. If the currents were to stop, the sand would then drop to the bottom of the sea and pile up as sediment, forming sedimentary rock as pressure and heat make the sand almost melt into itself in a strong, rocky form.

But sand is not the only example of sediment. Silt, clay and mud can also be sediments, as can any substance that is carried as particles in a liquid.