The geological process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass is a critical component of Earth’s surface dynamics. These materials, transported by agents such as wind, water, ice, and gravity, accumulate in areas where the energy of the transporting medium decreases. A common example involves the settling of sand and silt at the mouth of a river as its current slows upon entering a larger body of water, creating a deltaic environment.
This accumulation shapes landscapes, forming sedimentary rocks over geological timescales. The resulting strata provide a vital record of past environments, climates, and life forms. Studying these layered formations allows scientists to reconstruct Earth’s history, understand changes in sea level, and identify locations of valuable resources such as fossil fuels and mineral deposits. The distribution and characteristics of these accumulated materials also significantly influence soil formation and land stability.
