Which term refers to the settling out of soil particles transported by water and wind?

The term that refers to the settling out of soil particles transported by water and wind is sedimentation. This process occurs when soil particles that have been displaced through mechanisms such as water flow or wind transport eventually settle down to form layers of sediment. Sedimentation is a natural part of the erosion cycle and is crucial in shaping landscapes, maintaining soil health, and affecting waterways by influencing water quality and aquatic habitats.

In contrast, erosion describes the process of soil and rock being worn away or removed from one location and transported to another, rather than the settling process itself. Runoff pertains to the surface water flow that occurs when precipitation exceeds infiltration and contributes to erosion and sediment transport. Contamination generally relates to the introduction of pollutants into the environment, which does not directly involve the physical movement or deposition of soil particles in the context of water and wind transport. Thus, sedimentation accurately captures the specific phenomenon of particles settling out, distinguishing it clearly from these other concepts.