Deposition is the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or landmass. It is one of the key processes in the geological cycle and plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface.
Deposition occurs when the agents of erosion (such as water, wind, ice, or gravity) lose their energy and drop the sediments they have been carrying. This can happen when a river slows down as it enters a larger body of water, when the wind stops blowing, or when a glacier melts, among other scenarios.
Some common examples of deposition include the formation of river deltas, where sediment carried by a river is deposited at its mouth, and the accumulation of sand dunes in deserts due to the wind depositing sand particles in specific areas.
Understanding the process of deposition is essential for grasping the formation of various landforms and the overall geological processes that shape our planet.