Loess is an example of wind-deposited soil. It is a type of soil formed by the accumulation of fine-grained sediment (silt-sized particles) that has been deposited by the wind. The name "loess" comes from the German word for "loose", as the soil is very porous and crumbly. Loess is typically found in areas where there is little vegetation to hold the soil in place, such as in the plains of China and the central United States. It is also very fertile and can support agriculture, making it an important soil type for human societies throughout history.