The measure of sediment or foreign particles stirred up or suspended in a body of water is referred to as what?

The measure of sediment or foreign particles stirred up or suspended in a body of water is referred to as turbidity. This term specifically describes how clear or cloudy water appears due to the presence of these suspended particles. High turbidity indicates a high level of suspended solids, which can be caused by various factors such as erosion, runoff, and disturbance of sediment.

In aquatic ecosystems, turbidity can significantly impact light penetration, which is essential for photosynthesis by aquatic plants. Additionally, elevated turbidity can harm aquatic organisms by clogging gills, reducing feeding efficiency, and concealing food sources.

Other terms in the options are related to properties of fluids but do not accurately describe the presence of suspended particles in water. Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid, while clarity pertains to the transparency of water, which is directly affected by turbidity. Scarcity usually refers to a shortage or insufficient supply of something, and does not relate to the context of measuring sediment in water. Thus, turbidity is the appropriate term for this measure.