Sediment

Deutsch: Sediment / Español: Sedimento / Português: Sedimento / Français: Sêdiment / Italiano: Sedimento
Sediment is a naturally occurring material that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion, and is subsequently transported by the action of wind, water, or ice, and/or by the force of gravity acting on the particles. For example, silt falls out of suspension via sedimentation and forms soil (some of which may eventually become sedimentary Rock).

In the environmental context, sediment refers to solid particles that are transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice. Sediment can have significant impacts on the environment, including changes to water quality, erosion and sedimentation, and impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Here are some examples of sediment in the environmental context:

1. Erosion and sedimentation: Soil erosion can lead to increased sediment in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. This can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems by altering water chemistry and reducing water clarity.

2. Land development: Land development activities such as construction and mining can disturb soil and lead to increased sediment in nearby waterways. This can have negative impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

3. Agriculture: Agriculture can contribute to sedimentation in rivers and lakes through activities such as plowing and irrigation. This can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems by altering water chemistry and reducing water clarity.

4. Dredging: Dredging is the process of removing sediment from waterways to maintain navigable channels. Dredging can have both positive and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, depending on the methods used and the location of the dredging.

Other similar things to sediment in the environmental context might include:

1. Nutrients: Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can contribute to water quality issues when they are present in excess. This can lead to harmful algal blooms and other negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

2. Soil: Soil is the upper layer of the earth's surface that supports plant growth. Soil quality can have significant impacts on agricultural productivity, water quality, and biodiversity.

3. Sediment control measures: Sediment control measures are techniques used to reduce erosion and sedimentation in construction and other land development activities. Examples include erosion control blankets, sediment basins, and vegetative stabilization.

4. Riparian buffers: Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation along the edges of waterways that help to filter sediment and other pollutants from runoff. Riparian buffers can help to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.