Sedimentation is the process where a dilute slurry settles by gravity into a clear fluid and one of higher solids concentration, separating suspended solid particles from liquid. The Kynch method is a graphical approach used to find a slurry's settling velocity over time, assuming uniform particle size and shape and neglecting wall effects. Key factors affecting sedimentation rate include initial suspension height and concentration, with different settling regions defined by constant, transitioning, and hindered settling velocities.