Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Sediment is solid ________________ or _______________ particulate matter that has been removed from its site of origin by ___________, _____________, or ______________ and deposited elsewhere.

1. Organic; synthetic; water; wind; storm

2. Mineral; organic; wind; gravity; pressure

3. Mineral; organic; water; wind; gravity

4. Liquid; solid; heat; moisture; gravity

The correct answer is: Mineral; organic; water; wind; gravity

Sediment refers to solid mineral or organic particulate matter that has been transported from its original location and subsequently deposited in another area. The correct choice indicates that sediment can be composed of both mineral and organic materials. This is important because sediment can originate from various sources, including soil erosion, plant material, and other biological processes. The term "water, wind, and gravity" accurately represents the primary agents of sediment transport. Water is involved through processes such as runoff that carry sediment particles away from their source. Wind can lift and carry lighter particulates over distances, especially in arid regions. Gravity plays a crucial role in the movement of sediment downhill, especially in landslides or the natural flow of rivers. Understanding these components is vital for stormwater management and erosion control practices, as they help explain how sediment moves within the environment and impacts water quality. Other combinations in the initial choices do not accurately represent the composition of sediment or the mechanisms through which it is transported, making this choice the most appropriate.