In Earth science, this term refers to the geological process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass. Wind, water, ice, and gravity transport previously weathered materials, and the process concludes when these agents of transport lose energy and can no longer carry the load. An example includes the accumulation of sediment at the mouth of a river, forming a delta.
This phenomenon is a fundamental process in the creation of sedimentary rocks and the shaping of landscapes. Understanding the factors that influence its rate and location is crucial for interpreting Earth’s history and predicting future changes to coastlines, river systems, and other dynamic environments. Early observations of stratified rock formations provided initial evidence of this process, leading to the development of key principles in geology.