How does sediment size and layering in sedimentary rock describe how a material was deposited? Objective Students will demonstrate the geologic process of sediment sorting. Sorting describes how fine to coarse grain sediments are distributed (settle), and how they will eventually lithify into sedimentary rock. Students will mimic sois deposition in a lake setting so as to better visualize the layering of the shale deposits in the Florissant Formation. Background Sorting describes how sediments are distributed based on their size. Terms describing sorting in sediments Very well sorted – sedimen Duration: 60 Minutes.