What is the term used for sediment deposited by glacier melt?

Prepare for the UCF GEO1200 Physical Geography Exam. Enhance your study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The term used for sediment deposited by glacier melt is "moraine." Moraines are accumulations of debris, including rock fragments and soil, that are left behind by the movement of glaciers as they advance and retreat. These sediments can take on various forms, such as terminal moraines, which are deposited at the glacier's furthest advance, or lateral moraines, which occur along the sides of a glacier.

Understanding moraines is crucial when studying glacial geology and landforms, as they provide significant evidence of past glacial activity and help to illustrate the dynamic nature of glacial environments. Other terms mentioned in the options have distinct meanings: alluvium refers to sediment deposited by flowing water, talus involves rock debris that accumulates at the base of a cliff, and colluvium is loose sediment that accumulates at the base of slopes due to gravity. Each of these processes is related to different geological activities and environments, highlighting the diversity of sediment types and their origins in physical geography.

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