Colluvium

/kəˈluːviəm/ noun

Definition

Loose, unconsolidated rock material and soil that has moved downslope due to gravity and weathering, accumulating at the base of slopes.

Etymology

From Latin 'colluvies' (debris, filth), using the Latin singular form to create a geological term for accumulated slope material.

Kelly Says

Colluvium is what geologists dig through to understand landslides and erosion—by studying its layers, they can read the history of how mountains fall apart!

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