Outwash refers to sediment that is deposited by meltwater from a glacier. As glaciers melt, they release water that carries sand, silt, and gravel away from the ice. This material is then spread out over the landscape, forming features like outwash plains and glacial deltas. The process of outwash is important for shaping landforms and creating fertile soil in certain areas. The sediments can vary in size and composition, depending on the glacier's characteristics and the surrounding environment. Outwash is a key component in understanding glacial geology and the effects of climate change on glacial retreat.