Glacial outwash is characterized by which of the following?

Glacial outwash is formed from the meltwater of glaciers, which carries and deposits sediments that have been weathered and eroded from the glacial ice. This process results in well-sorted and stratified deposits, predominantly consisting of fine to medium sand. The sorting occurs because the meltwater, flowing away from the glacier, has a considerable capacity to transport smaller particles while allowing larger sediments to settle more quickly, leading to a more uniform texture.

In glacial outwash plains, these deposits are typically layered, showcasing the effects of varying meltwater flow rates and sediment supply over time. The presence of fine to medium sand indicates that the sediment has been reworked by flowing water, distinguishing it from other glacial deposits like till, which are often unsorted and composed of a more varied particle size.

By understanding the characteristics of glacial outwash, one can appreciate its role in glacial geology and sedimentary processes, as well as its implications for soil formation and land use in areas influenced by past glaciation.