The rate of sedimentation of a sedimentary particle is known, and from there the approximate amount of time required for a homogeneously distributed mixture can be computed. All important factors are represented in the equation given above. However, the reverse process is not nearly as simple. That is, it is not immediately obvious what factors are most important in the agitation of a mixture in which the sediment had already settled to the bottom. With more agitation, more of the sedimentary particles will be kicked up from the bottom, and thus it will take longer for the sediment to settle once again to the bottom. This provides a way, although somewhat crude, of measuring the degree of agitation.