SORTING: Sorting refers to the range in size of particles. If a sample has big and little grains it is not well sorted, but if all the particles were of the same size it would be very well sorted. Sorting is due to how the sand particles settled down. If sand is deposited in a turbulent area, the sand would not be well sorted. However, if there is a quiet setting it would be well sorted. Also, wind can carry small particles to areas on a beach or desert (sand dunes), and these sands are well sorted. In the diagram poorly sorted is on the right, and well sorted is on the left.