What describes the term "silt" in sediment?

The term "silt" refers to a specific type of unconsolidated clastic sediment characterized by its particle size, which ranges from 0.002 to 0.063 millimeters in diameter. This size classification places silt between sand and clay in terms of particle dimensions. Silt has unique physical properties, including its ability to retain moisture and its tendency to create fertile soil when mixed with other particles.

Understanding silt's role in sediment is crucial, especially in geology and environmental science, as it plays a significant part in soil formation, water retention, and as a component of various sedimentary environments. In contrast, the other options describe materials or concepts that do not accurately represent silt: construction materials are not defined by particle size, clay is a different sediment type used in specific applications, and deep well layers do not exclusively identify silt but can include various sediments.