What type of parent material originates from wind deposition?

Loess is a type of parent material that forms from the wind deposition of fine-sized particles, primarily silt. This process occurs when strong winds transport silt from river valleys or glacial deposits and deposit it in thick layers over a vast area.

The unique characteristics of loess include its high porosity and fertility, making it an important soil type for agriculture. The fine particles in loess are cohesive and can retain moisture well, enhancing the soil's productivity.

Colluvium, on the other hand, is formed from the weathering and movement of materials down a slope due to gravitational forces. Residuum results from the weathering of bedrock in place, while alluvium is associated with river deposits where sediment is carried by flowing water and laid down along riverbanks or floodplains. Each of these materials has distinct origins and characteristics that differentiate them from loess.