1. Coarse-grained sediments:
* Boulders: These are the largest sediment particles, usually transported by mass movements like landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows. These movements are driven by gravity and can occur rapidly, often with significant destructive force.
* Cobbles and Gravel: These are smaller than boulders but still quite large. They are often transported by slope wash where gravity pulls them downhill, or in alluvial fans, where water from streams deposits them at the base of slopes.
* Sand: While sand can be transported by wind, water, and even glaciers, gravity plays a crucial role in its movement on slopes. Sheetwash and rills (small channels) carry sand downhill.
2. Fine-grained sediments:
* Silt and Clay: These are the smallest sediment particles. While they can be suspended in water for long periods, gravity still plays a role in their deposition. They often settle out in lakes, swamps, and deep ocean basins.
* Colluvium: This is a general term for sediment deposited by gravity at the base of slopes. It can contain a mixture of particle sizes, from boulders to clay.
Note: The type of sediment carried by gravity depends on the slope angle, the volume and velocity of water, and the characteristics of the sediment itself. For example, steep slopes will more readily transport larger sediment particles, while gentler slopes will allow finer sediments to be carried further.
In summary, gravity plays a crucial role in transporting a wide range of sediment types, from the largest boulders to the finest clay particles.
