Terrigenous refers to materials that originate from land and are transported to oceans or other bodies of water. This includes sediments like sand, silt, and clay that are carried by rivers, wind, or glaciers. These materials can significantly influence the composition and characteristics of marine environments. In marine geology, terrigenous sediments are important for understanding the history of Earth's surface and the processes that shape it. They can provide insights into past climates, erosion rates, and even the impact of human activities on landscapes. Examples of terrigenous sources include mountains, rivers, and coastal erosion.