Sedimentology is the study of sediments, their properties, and the processes that form them. Sediments are particles of material that are transported and deposited by wind, water, or ice, ultimately building up layers of rocks or soil over time. Sedimentologists study the characteristics, composition, and distribution of sediments in order to understand past environments, geological processes, and Earth's history. They use a range of techniques such as field observations, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing to investigate how sediments are formed, transported, and deposited. Sedimentology plays a crucial role in disciplines such as geology, geography, and environmental science.