Lithification is well known geological term. We will discuss all the important things related to the lithification process.
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Lithification Definition
Lithification is a difficult process that turns loose silt grains that have just been deposited into rock. Lithification might take place either right away or later after a sediment is deposited.
Process Description
One of the key procedures, particularly for sandstones and conglomerates, is cementation. Within a sediment, interactions between different minerals and between minerals and the fluids entrapped in the pores also occur. Authigenesis is the aggregate word for these processes, which might create new minerals or add to those already present in the sediment. Minerals in solution entering the sediment from another area may be deposited or may interact with minerals already present. Minerals may also be dissolved and redistributed into nodules and other concretions. Under pressure, grain rearrangement may compact the sediment by closing pore spaces and displacing interstitial liquid.
Compaction, cementation, and recrystallization are the three separate processes that can lead to lithification. When fine-grained sediments are buried and put under a lot of pressure, lithification takes place and sedimentary rocks start to develop.