Final answer:
Sorting is the process of separating sediment grains by size through transportation by wind, water, or ice. It affects the physical properties of sedimentary rocks and can indicate transport distance and energy conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sorting is the process by which sediment grains are selected and separated according to grain size by an agent of transportation. This process is particularly important in geology and earth sciences as it affects the characteristics of sedimentary rocks. Typically, sorting occurs when transportation mechanisms like water, wind, or ice carry sediments over a distance, leading to the segregation of particles based on size and weight, with lighter and smaller particles being transported further than their heavier counterparts.
A well-sorted sediment is one in which the majority of the grains are of a similar size, often indicating that the sediment has traveled a long distance from its source, allowing time and turbulence to segregate the particles effectively. Conversely, poorly sorted sediments contain a wide range of grain sizes and are usually deposited close to their source, where the energy of the transporting medium is insufficient to separate the grains fully. Hence, the degree of sorting can provide valuable insights into the transport and depositional history of the sediment, as well as the energy conditions present during its movement.