Here's a breakdown:
* Alluvial fan: This is a cone-shaped deposit of sediment formed at the base of a mountain range or other steep slope. It forms as a stream or river flows down the slope and loses energy, causing the sediment to be deposited. Alluvial fans are characterized by a coarse-grained sediment, with gravel and sand dominating.
* Alluvial plain: This is a flat, low-lying area of land adjacent to a river or stream. It is formed by the deposition of sediment as the river overflows its banks during floods. Alluvial plains are typically composed of fine-grained sediment, such as silt and clay, but can also contain significant amounts of gravel and sand.
Other terms for these deposits:
* Outwash plain: This is a plain formed by the deposition of sediment carried by meltwater from a glacier. Outwash plains are often characterized by gravel and sand, but can also contain silt and clay.
* Beach: This is a deposit of sediment along the shoreline of a lake or ocean. Beaches are typically composed of sand, but can also contain gravel, pebbles, and cobbles.
The specific type of continental deposit will depend on the specific geological setting. For example, a desert region might be dominated by alluvial fans, while a coastal region might be dominated by beaches.
It's important to note that these deposits can be further classified based on their specific characteristics, such as the size and shape of the sediment grains, the presence of specific minerals, and the age of the deposit.
