Sediment refers to particles of loose material that usually form from the erosion of rocks. These particles are often transported by air and water processes such as river flows, wind, floods, and storms. Human-driven processes, such as deforestation and urban development, can also loosen sediments and cause them to wash away.

The movement of sediment can have positive effects on agriculture, sometimes bringing extra nutrients and minerals to rejuvenate farmland. However, excess sediment can also clog up water reservoirs and disrupt ecosystems. Sediment contaminated with toxic chemicals can kill plants and wildlife when it flows into a new area.

Investigating the movement of sediments gives scientists deeper insight into the processes that carry them around. NASA curates several Earth data products useful to the study of sedimentation, include sediment transport and land accretion models, geological surveys, and storm imagery.