How are coarse layers of glacial outwash deposited?

Coarse layers of glacial outwash are primarily deposited by fast-moving water, typical of the environments following glacial melt. When glaciers retreat, the meltwater flows rapidly, carrying large sediments and debris that have been eroded by the glacier. This fast-moving water is capable of transporting larger particles such as gravel and sand, which are characteristic of outwash deposits.

As the velocity of the water decreases, sediment begins to settle out and accumulate, forming distinct layers of coarser material. These deposits often occur in river valleys where the glacial meltwater spreads out, forming broad plains or terraces composed of sorted materials. The process is integral to understanding glaciation and sedimentation patterns, as it highlights how glacial activity influences sediment transport and deposition in glaciers' wake.