1. adj. [Geology]

Pertaining to the subaerial (as opposed to submarine) environment, action and products of a stream or river on its floodplain, usually consisting of detrital clastic sediments, and distinct from subaqueous deposition such as in lakes or oceans and lower energy fluvial deposition. Sediments deposited in an alluvial environment can be subject to high depositional energy, such as fast-moving flood waters, and may be poorly sorted or chaotic.

See related terms: alluvium,  clastic sediment,  depositional system,  sediment