Sediment analysis is the study of particles that settle at the bottom of bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. This process helps scientists understand the composition, size, and distribution of sediments, which can reveal information about past environmental conditions, geological processes, and human impacts on ecosystems. By examining sediment layers, researchers can identify different materials, such as sand, silt, and clay, and their origins. This analysis is crucial for fields like paleoclimatology, which studies historical climate changes, and environmental science, which assesses pollution and habitat health.