The overall hardening of loose sediment into coherent rock, encompassing the combined effects of compaction and cementation that occur during diagenesis. It is the final stage that converts unconsolidated deposits such as sand, mud and shell fragments into the sedimentary rock record geologists read to reconstruct past environments.
Facts
Process TypeBiogeochemical or Pedological 1 Sources
1. Lithification (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroductionQuote, Introduction
Lithification is the process in which sediments compact under pressure, expel connate fluids, and gradually become solid rock. Essentially, lithification is a process of porosity destruction through compaction and cementation.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.