Outwash plain

An outwash plain is a flat or gently sloped area formed by sediments carried away from a melting glacier by meltwater. As the glacier melts, it releases water that transports and deposits a mixture of fine and coarse sediments, such as sand and gravel, across the landscape in front of the glacier. Over time, these materials build up a broad, layered plain. Outwash plains are often characterized by well-sorted sediments, reflecting the water’s ability to deposit particles by size, creating fertile, flat areas suitable for agriculture and ecosystems.