What factor influences sediment accumulation in aquatic systems?

The accumulation of sediment in aquatic systems is primarily influenced by surrounding development and activity because human actions and land use practices can significantly affect erosion and runoff patterns. When land is cleared for development, such as construction or agriculture, the soil becomes more susceptible to erosion. Rainfall can wash away exposed soil, which then enters nearby water bodies as sediment. This process is exacerbated by activities such as mining, logging, and urbanization, where the natural vegetation that stabilizes soil is removed or disturbed.

In contrast, while factors like air temperature, water clarity, and plant root systems can have some impact on sediment dynamics, they do not directly cause sediment accumulation in the same way as human activities. For example, water clarity can be affected by sediment presence, but it does not influence the rate of sediment being deposited or accumulated in aquatic systems. Similarly, although plant root systems help stabilize soil and can reduce sedimentation, they are part of the broader context influenced by surrounding development and land usage. Therefore, the key factor in sediment accumulation is indeed the surrounding development and activity.