What describes materials transported in suspension in the air that settle on the ground as dry matter?

The term that accurately describes materials transported in suspension in the air which then settle on the ground as dry matter is dry deposition. This process involves aerosol particles or gases that are present in the atmosphere, such as dust or certain pollutants, which can settle out of the air due to gravity. Once these particles settle, they can accumulate on surfaces such as soil, foliage, or water bodies.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the study of atmospheric sciences and environmental geography, as it directly relates to the distribution of nutrients and pollutants in various ecosystems. Dry deposition plays a significant role in the overall nutrient cycling in environments, impacting soil quality and the health of ecosystems.

Other terms may refer to different processes; for example, wet deposition involves materials being washed out of the atmosphere by precipitation. In contrast, acid deposition refers specifically to the falling of acidic components, often related to pollution, while solid deposition is a less common term that doesn't specifically align with the defined process of suspended particles settling as dry matter.