What happens to the size distribution of glacial outwash deposits?

The size distribution of glacial outwash deposits is influenced significantly by both water velocity and the proximity to the glacial ice margin. As glaciers retreat, they release meltwater that transports sediment away from the glacier. The velocity of this water plays a critical role in determining the size of the sediments that are deposited; faster-moving water can carry larger particles farther from the glacier, while slower water only transports smaller particles.

Additionally, the proximity to the glacial ice margin affects sediment size because material that is closer to the glacier is typically less sorted and includes a mix of different sizes, including larger boulders and finer silt. As one moves away from the glacier, the sediment becomes better sorted, typically showcasing a gradient from coarser material near the glacier to finer material further away.

This relationship highlights how the physical processes involved in glacial outwash shape the sedimentary environment, leading to distinct patterns of particle size distribution that reflect both hydrodynamic conditions and the source of the material itself.