In sands and gravels labeled SW or GW, what does this indicate about sorting?

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Study for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam. Access flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and understand key geologic principles. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In sands and gravels labeled SW or GW, what does this indicate about sorting?

Explanation:
Grain-size distribution governs sorting. The S or G tells you the grain size class (sand or gravel), and the W means well graded, which indicates a wide range of particle sizes across the distribution. When many different sizes are present, the material isn’t uniform in size—so it’s poorly sorted. Therefore, labeling sw or gw signals a broad mix of sizes, i.e., poor sorting.

Grain-size distribution governs sorting. The S or G tells you the grain size class (sand or gravel), and the W means well graded, which indicates a wide range of particle sizes across the distribution. When many different sizes are present, the material isn’t uniform in size—so it’s poorly sorted. Therefore, labeling sw or gw signals a broad mix of sizes, i.e., poor sorting.

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