The geological process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass is a fundamental concept in Earth sciences. This accumulation occurs when transporting agents, such as wind, water, ice, and gravity, lose energy and can no longer carry their load. Examples include the formation of deltas at river mouths, the buildup of sand dunes in deserts, and the accumulation of glacial till in mountainous regions.
This process is critical for the formation of sedimentary rocks, which comprise a significant portion of the Earth’s crust. Understanding this phenomenon provides insights into past environmental conditions, including climate, sea level changes, and tectonic activity. Furthermore, it is essential for resource management, as many economically important deposits, such as coal and petroleum, originate from accumulated organic matter.