Suspended Sediment

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-027439",
  "term": "Suspended Sediment",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Sediment carried within the water column of a stream.\n\n2. Very fine soil particles that remain in suspension in water for a considerable period of time without contact with the bottom. Such material remains in suspension due to the upward components of turbulence and currents and/or by suspension. [USGS Water Science Glossary of Terms]\n\n3. Tiny particles of clay and silt that become suspended in the water, reducing water clarity and the amount of sunlight that can reach underwater bay grasses. Excess suspended sediment is one of the largest contributors to the Bay's impaired water quality.\n\n4. Very fine soil particles that remain in suspension in water for a considerable period without contact with the bottom. Such material remains in suspension because of the upward components of turbulence and currents and/or by suspension.",
  "synonyms": [
    "Total Suspended Sediment",
    "TSS"
  ],
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Watershed Protection Glossary",
    "Chesapeake Bay Glossary at http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/chesbay502/pdf/chesbay_glossary.pdf",
    "Chesapeake Bay Glossary",
    "Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/suspended-sediment/"
}