When sediments settle on land or water, they can undergo a process known as sedimentation, which can have various effects depending on the type and quantity of sediment involved. Here are some general things that can happen over time as sediments settle:
Deposition: Sediments can accumulate and settle on the bottom of a water body or on land, resulting in the formation of layers of sediment. This process can take thousands or even millions of years, and the resulting sedimentary layers can provide important information about the history of the area.
Compaction: As sediment accumulates, it can become compacted due to the weight of the layers above it. This can result in the compression of the sediment, causing it to become denser and harder over time.
Cementation: Sediments can also become cemented together over time, as minerals in the sediment dissolve and precipitate out, filling the spaces between the grains of sediment and binding them together. This process can result in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Erosion: Sediments can be eroded away by the action of wind or water, or by human activities such as mining or construction. This can result in the loss of soil and changes to the landscape.
Overall, the process of sedimentation can have a significant impact on the environment over time, as sediments accumulate and are transformed into new forms.