What does 'sorting' refer to in sedimentary rocks?

Sorting in sedimentary rocks specifically refers to the degree of similarity in particle size within a sedimentary deposit. This aspect of sedimentology describes how uniform or varied the sizes of the sediment grains are in a given sample. Well-sorted sediments contain grains that are roughly the same size, while poorly sorted sediments feature a mix of various grain sizes. The sorting can provide significant insights into the deposition environment; for instance, well-sorted sands often indicate that the sediment has been subjected to processes such as transportation by wind or water, which tend to separate particles of differing sizes. Understanding sorting is crucial for interpreting the history and conditions under which the sediments were deposited, aiding in broader geological reconstructions.