Which components make up marine sediment?

Marine sediment is primarily composed of mineral particles, organic matter, and water. Mineral particles can include various types of sediments derived from weathering of rocks, which are transported to the sea by rivers, wind, and glacial activity. Organic matter mainly comes from the remains of marine organisms, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, as well as terrestrial plant material that gets washed into the oceans. Water in marine sediments is interstitial, filling the spaces between the particles, influencing the sediment's physical and chemical properties.

This composition is crucial for several ecological processes, including nutrient cycling and the habitat it provides for various marine organisms. Each of the other options lacks some of the necessary components that define marine sediment. For instance, one option mentions only organic matter and water, omitting the significant presence of mineral particles. Another mentions air, which is not a primary component of marine sediment. Additionally, while lithogenic and biogenic materials represent specific types of sediment, they do not encompass the full range of sediment components. Therefore, the inclusion of mineral particles, organic matter, and water captures the comprehensive nature of marine sediment effectively.