Depositional processes refer to the ways in which sediments are laid down or accumulated in various environments. These processes occur when the energy of transporting agents, such as water, wind, or ice, decreases, allowing particles to settle. Common environments for deposition include riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors, where materials like sand, silt, and clay can accumulate over time. Factors influencing depositional processes include the size and weight of the particles, the speed of the transporting medium, and the topography of the area. For example, rivers may deposit larger sediments closer to their source and finer materials further downstream. Understanding these processes is essential for studying geology and sedimentology.