Deposit vs. Sediment — What's the Difference?

Results from processes like precipitation, wind deposition, or organic accumulation.

Particles that settle from suspension in a liquid, often forming layers in bodies of water.

Used in both geological and broader contexts.

Originates from the erosion of rocks, transported by water, wind, or ice.

Can include layers of minerals, soils, and organics.

Includes materials like sand, silt, and clay in natural settings.

Many deposits are mined for resources like minerals, oil, and gas.

Primarily used in scientific contexts related to geology and environmental studies.

A sum of money paid into a bank or building society account

While some sediments form valuable deposits, their study primarily offers environmental insights.

A sum payable as a first instalment on the purchase of something or as a pledge for a contract, the balance being payable later

Sediment is a naturally occurring material that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion, and is subsequently transported by the action of wind, water, or ice or by the force of gravity acting on the particles. For example, sand and silt can be carried in suspension in river water and on reaching the sea bed deposited by sedimentation; if buried, they may eventually become sandstone and siltstone (sedimentary rocks) through lithification.

A layer or mass of accumulated matter

Matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; dregs

The action of placing something in a specified place

Settle as sediment

Put or set down (something or someone) in a specific place

Material that settles to the bottom of a liquid; lees.

Place (something) somewhere for safekeeping

Solid fragments of inorganic or organic material that come from the weathering of rock and are carried and deposited by wind, water, or ice.

To put or set down; place.

A collection of small particles, particularly dirt, that precipitates from a river or other body of water.

To lay down or leave behind by a natural process

(transitive) To deposit material as a sediment.

To give over or entrust for safekeeping.

(intransitive) To be deposited as a sediment.

To put (money) in a bank or financial account.

The matter which subsides to the bottom, from water or any other liquid; settlings; lees; dregs.

To give as partial payment or security.

The material of which sedimentary rocks are formed.

To become deposited; settle.

Matter deposited by some natural process

Something, such as money, that is entrusted for safekeeping, as in a bank.

Deposit as a sediment

The condition of being deposited

Settle as sediment

A partial or initial payment of a cost or debt

A sum of money given as security for an item acquired for temporary use.

A depository.

(Geology) A concentration of mineral matter or sediment in a layer, vein, or pocket

(Physiology) An accumulation of organic or inorganic material, such as a lipid or mineral, in a body tissue, structure, or fluid.

A sediment or precipitate that has settled out of a solution.

A coating or crust left on a surface, as by evaporation or electrolysis.

(geology) Sediment or rock that is not native to its present location or is different from the surrounding material. Sometimes refers to ore or gems.

That which is placed anywhere, or in anyone's hands, for safekeeping; something entrusted to the care of another.

(banking) Money placed in an account.

Anything left behind on a surface.

(finance) A sum of money or other asset given as an initial payment, to show good faith, or to reserve something for purchase.

A sum of money given as a security for a borrowed item, which will be given back when the item is returned, e.g. a bottle deposit or can deposit

A place of deposit; a depository.

(transitive) To lay down; to place; to put.

To lay up or away for safekeeping; to put up; to store.

To entrust one's assets to the care of another. Sometimes done as collateral.

(transitive) To put money or funds into an account.

To lay aside; to rid oneself of.

To lay down; to place; to put; to let fall or throw down (as sediment); as, a crocodile deposits her eggs in the sand; the waters deposited a rich alluvium.

To lay up or away for safe keeping; to put up; to store; as, to deposit goods in a warehouse.

To lodge in some one's hands for safe keeping; to commit to the custody of another; to intrust; esp., to place in a bank, as a sum of money subject to order.

To lay aside; to rid one's self of.

That which is deposited, or laid or thrown down; as, a deposit in a flue; especially, matter precipitated from a solution (as the siliceous deposits of hot springs), or that which is mechanically deposited (as the mud, gravel, etc., deposits of a river).

A natural occurrence of a useful mineral under the conditions to invite exploitation.

That which is placed anywhere, or in any one's hands, for safe keeping; something intrusted to the care of another; esp., money lodged with a bank or banker, subject to order; anything given as pledge or security.

A bailment of money or goods to be kept gratuitously for the bailor.

A place of deposit; a depository.

The phenomenon of sediment or gravel accumulating

Matter deposited by some natural process

The natural process of laying down a deposit of something

Money deposited in a bank

A partial payment made at the time of purchase; the balance to be paid later

Money given as security for an article acquired for temporary use;

A payment given as a guarantee that an obligation will be met

A facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping

The act of putting something somewhere

Fix, force, or implant;

Put into a bank account;

Put (something somewhere) firmly;

An accumulation of natural materials, often valuable, formed through various processes.

While sediments themselves may not always be economically valuable, they can form deposits like sand and gravel used in construction, or indicate the presence of valuable resources like oil.

Most geological deposits are considered non-renewable on human timescales, as they take millions of years to form.

Scientists study sediments through methods like core sampling, which allows them to analyze the composition, layering, and other properties of sediment layers.

Climate change can alter patterns of erosion and sediment deposition, affecting river flows, coastal erosion rates, and sediment supply to marine ecosystems.

Sediments can provide essential nutrients for aquatic plants, serve as habitats for various organisms, and influence water quality and clarity.

Yes, over time and under pressure, sediment can lithify, turning into sedimentary rock.

Many deposits are composed of sediments, but not all. Some deposits are formed from organic material or chemical precipitation.

Yes, sediment transport can lead to issues like river and lake siltation, coastal erosion, and the degradation of aquatic habitats.

Yes, there are man-made deposits, such as landfills and tailings from mining operations, which are accumulations of waste materials.

Yes, atmospheric deposits can occur, such as dust or volcanic ash settling from the air, though these are not typically referred to as sediments.