What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aggradation
Example
The aggradation of sediment in the river caused flooding in the nearby town. [aggradation: noun]
Example
The stream's aggrading bed was filled with coarse sand and pebbles. [aggrading: adjective]
deposition
Example
The deposition of silt in the lake created a fertile environment for aquatic plants. [deposition: noun]
Example
The wind's deposition of sand on the dunes created a unique landscape. [deposition: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deposition is a more commonly used term than aggradation in everyday language, as it has broader applications and is not limited to specific geological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aggradation and deposition?
Aggradation is a technical term used primarily in geology and earth science, making it more formal than deposition, which is a more versatile term used in both formal and informal contexts.