In order to examine the process of sediment consolidation, a new technique was developed to measure the velocities of individual particles, V-s as a function of the time, t, and absolute elevation, h. A series of batch settling tests was conducted, with a CCD camera and microscope objective positioned at a different elevation in each test. At a given time during the sediment consolidation, the particles in the field of view were observed to be in close contact and to move downwards en masse. Within a limited domain of the h vs t plane, the velocity of a particle varied empirically according to V-s = V-0(-2)(h/t)(3), where V-0 was a constant. Deviations from this relationship occurred toward the end of the consolidation when all movement appeared to cease, and at positions near the top of the sediment.