Gravitational Sorting

Gravitational sorting refers to the process where materials in a mixture are sorted based on their density and weight due to gravitational influence. In nature, this can occur when heavier particles settle to the bottom while lighter ones rise to the top—such as in sedimentation processes in rivers or the separation of layers in a planet's formation. This concept is significant in geology and environmental science, as it helps explain how different materials can stratify over time, leading to distinct layers in soils or rocks, which can reveal information about the Earth's history.