Which of the following best describes outwash as a parent material?

Outwash as a parent material is best described as being created by glacial meltwater. This term refers to sediments that have been deposited by meltwater from glaciers, which often carry a mixture of various particle sizes ranging from gravel to fine sand. The movement of water during glacial melting scours, transports, and deposits this material, shaping the land around it.

Understanding this process helps to clarify why the other options do not accurately describe outwash. For instance, while fine clay particles may contribute to certain soil types, they do not specifically characterize outwash, which is more varied in particle size and composition. Additionally, outwash is not associated with river deltas; those sediments are usually deposited by river systems rather than by glacial meltwater. Lastly, the notion that outwash is exclusively formed in deserts is incorrect, as it is primarily linked to glacial activity rather than arid environments. Hence, the defining characteristic of outwash as being produced by glacial meltwater highlights its unique formation context in soil and sediment studies.