What are the Factors that Affect Deposition?

Factors that Affect the Settling of Sediments A. Particles factors Size – the larger the settle in less time at a faster rate Density – the denser particles settle in less time at a faster rate Shape – the more spherical particles settle in less time at a faster rate

B. Effects of Water’s Velocity As the velocity of the water decreases deposition increases. *** Erosion occurs when the medium is gaining speed Deposition occurs when it loses speed

Patterns of Deposition Rivers and Moving water leave sorted deposited Vertical sorting (graded bedding) – particles are layered with the largest and most dense on the bottom. Vertical sorting ** occurs when a moving river comes to a sudden stop or a large drop in water velocity. ( River flows into a lake it will drop most of what it was carrying)

Horizontal Sorting – large particles dropped 1st and the smaller particles carried further out As rivers enter larger bodies of water and there is a gradual decrease in velocity it will drop its heaviest sediments first carrying the smallest sediments the furthest distance Horizontal sorting Horizontal Sorting

Agents of Erosion and Deposition Gravity – unsorted piles of angular sediments Wind – well sorted deposits of small sediments

Running water – vertically and horizontally sorted sediments with rounded edges (abrasion)

Glaciers – unsorted and unlayered Glacial Melt Water – acts like a river and sorts and layers the deposits