What is the term for the product of sedimentary deposition in a river or stream?

The correct term for the product of sedimentary deposition in a river or stream is alluvium. Alluvium refers specifically to the sediment that is transported and deposited by flowing water, such as rivers and streams. This type of sediment typically consists of various particle sizes, including sand, silt, and clay, and it forms fertile soil along riverbanks, which is essential for agriculture.

Silt, while related, refers specifically to fine particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay; it is a component of alluvium rather than a term that encompasses the entirety of the sediment deposited by water. Loam is a type of soil that contains a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, often ideal for gardening but not specific to sediments laid down by waterways. Clay, on the other hand, refers to the finest soil particles, which can also be part of alluvium but does not encompass the broader concept of sediment depositions as alluvium does.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of real estate, particularly in terms of land use and agricultural potential, as areas with rich alluvial deposits are often more productive for farming and development.