unconsolidated sediment

Definitions

Loose, incoherent geological material, such as sand, silt, or clay, that has not been cemented or compacted into solid rock.

Sediment consisting of individual particles that are not bound together by mineral cement or pressure.

Examples

The construction crew had to reinforce the foundation because the site was composed primarily of loose, unconsolidated sediment.

Geologists studied the river delta to understand how unconsolidated sediment shifts and settles over time.

Synonyms

loose sediment uncompacted material non-lithified deposit soft soil unconsolidated material

Antonyms

lithified rock consolidated bedrock compacted sediment solid stone cemented strata