Deposition

Pigeon droppings; Photo credit: J. Delgado Rodrigues

Description

Debris from sandstone block; Photo credit: V. Vergès-Belmin

For works of art, deposition refers to a process in which matter, usually particles of sediment, rocks, or soil, is added to a surface. In stagnant (low flow) environments, particles can settle in air in a fluid. More often deposition occurs through moving systems, such as weather, where particles are transported by water or wind.

See also Dust, pollutants, Acid deposition, Acid rain, Dry deposition, and Wet deposition.

Synonyms and Related Terms

deposit; dust; Ausfällung (Deut.); déposition (Fr.); deposição (Port.)

Resources and Citations

• ICOMOS-ISCS: Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns