What does sediment refer to in the context of erosion?

Sediment, in the context of erosion, refers specifically to eroded materials that are transported and suspended in wind or water. This process involves the breakdown of soil and rock, resulting in smaller particles that can be moved from one location to another by natural forces such as wind, rain, or flowing water. Sediment plays a crucial role in various environmental processes, including the shaping of landscapes and water quality, as it can carry nutrients and pollutants.

The other options relate to different concepts. "Soil in its original form" refers to unaltered, undisturbed soil that has not been subjected to any erosive forces. "Stable land formations" denote areas that have not experienced erosion and thus remain intact, while "unaltered rocks and minerals" describes materials that have not been weathered or changed by environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify the specific nature of sediment as a component of the erosion process.