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silt |
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silt, predominantly quartz mineral particles that are between sand size and clay size, i.e., between 1-16 and 1-256 mm ( 1-406 – 1-6502 in.) in diameter. Silt, like clay and sand, is a product of the weathering and decomposition of preexisting rock. Hardened silt forms a sedimentary rock called siltstone, which tends to deposit in thin layers sometimes referred to as flagstone because it is hard, durable, and flat, breaking into nearly rectangular slabs. siltSediment particles 0.00016–0.0024 in. (0.004–0.06 mm) in diameter, regardless of mineral type. Silt is easily transported by moving currents but settles in still water. An unconsolidated aggregate of silt particles is also called silt, whereas a consolidated aggregate is called siltstone. Silt deposits formed by wind are known as loess. Sediments are seldom composed entirely of silt but rather are a mixture of clay, silt, and sand. Clay-rich silt, upon consolidation, frequently develops parting along bedding surfaces and is then called shale. If parting does not develop, the massive rock is called mudstone. silt a fine deposit of mud, clay, etc., esp one in a river or lake How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| He says that eutrophication, algae blooms and siltation damage shellfish beds. Trees also have an unseen role in purifying the atmosphere of pollution and acting as natural filters for water and dam siltation. But while the high-profile political battle over whether or not to open ANWR to oil drilling lingers, 45 other national wildlife refuges already host oil development facilities, along with problems such as spill contamination, waste pits as wildlife death traps, toxic chemical leaching, brine spills, salt water intrusion, siltation and erosion of streams, and, generally speaking, widespread wildlife habitat destruction. |
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