What is loess?

A.
silt that settles on a hilltop

B.
a grass-covered plain

C.
a dry wind from the Gobi

D.
a fine, dustlike material

Loess refers to a fine, dustlike material that is commonly deposited by the wind. It is composed of silt-sized particles made up of minerals like quartz and feldspar. The term "loess" originated from the German word "Löss," which means "loose" or "loose material." These deposits often have a pale yellow or buff coloration and have been found in numerous regions around the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It is important to note that loess is not a hilltop silt, a grass-covered plain, or a dry wind from the Gobi.