1. Energy Reduction:
* Decreased Velocity: As the transporting force (like water, wind, or ice) loses energy, its velocity decreases. This can happen due to factors like:
* Friction: As the transporting medium interacts with the ground, it loses energy due to friction.
* Slope Change: A change in slope (e.g., from a steep stream to a flat floodplain) will reduce the velocity of the water.
* Obstacle Encounter: Rocks, vegetation, or other obstacles can slow down the transporting medium.
* Decreased Capacity: As the energy of the transporting force decreases, its ability to carry sediment (its capacity) also decreases.
2. Sediment Settling:
* Coarsest First: The largest and heaviest sediment particles settle out first, as they require the most energy to stay suspended.
* Finer Particles Later: Finer sediment like silt and clay settle out as the transporting force continues to lose energy.
3. Depositional Environments:
* Different Environments: Different types of sedimentary environments, like river deltas, lakes, oceans, and deserts, have varying energy levels. This leads to the deposition of different types of sediment in different locations.
* Stratification: As sediment is deposited, it often forms layers (strata) reflecting the changing conditions of deposition.
In summary: The reduction in energy of the transporting force leads to a decrease in its ability to carry sediment. This causes the sediment to settle out, forming deposits. The size and type of sediment deposited are dependent on the energy level of the transporting force and the depositional environment.
