Drift (geology)

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In geology, drift is transported rock debris overlying the solid bedrock. The term is also sometimes refers to organic debris so-transported. In the largest sense, it refers to the material left behind by retreating continental glaciers. The transport mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, glacial and fluvial (e.g. by glaciers or rivers), and mass movement including landslides.

In the UK the term drift is commonly used to describe any deposits of quaternary age.

Continental drift refers to the relative motion of the continents over millions of years.

The Driftless Area refers to an unglaciated portion of North America which should have had drift, but doesn't.