Sedimentation

Sedimentation is the process by which sediment particles settle out of the water column and accumulate as a solid material at the bottom of a body of water such as a river, lake, or ocean. This process is a part of the larger rock cycle, which includes weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification.

Process

Sedimentation occurs when the forces acting on a particle in the fluid are greater than the forces acting to keep the particle in suspension. These forces can include gravity, centrifugal acceleration, or electromagnetic forces. The rate at which sedimentation occurs is determined by the size, shape, and density of the particles, as well as the viscosity and density of the fluid.

Types

There are several types of sedimentation, including:

• Gravitational sedimentation: This is the most common type of sedimentation and occurs when the force of gravity pulls sediment particles down towards the bottom of a body of water.

• Centrifugal sedimentation: This type of sedimentation occurs when a rotating force causes sediment particles to move towards the outer edge of a circular path.

• Electromagnetic sedimentation: This type of sedimentation occurs when an electric or magnetic field causes charged particles to move towards one side of a container.

Applications

Sedimentation is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Water treatment: In water treatment plants, sedimentation is used to remove suspended solids from water.

• Mining: In the mining industry, sedimentation is used to separate valuable minerals from unwanted material.

• Geology: In geology, the study of sedimentation can provide valuable information about the history of the Earth's climate and environment.

See also

• Sediment transport
• Sedimentary rock
• Sedimentology
• Deposition (geology)

Sedimentation Resources
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References

External links

• USGS Water Science School: Sediment and Sedimentation

Further reading

• Boggs, S. (2006). Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-154728-3.
• Prothero, D. R. and Schwab, F. (1996). Sedimentary Geology. W. H. Freeman. ISBN 0-7167-2726-9.