Question

Name the three stages of the lithification of sedimentary rocks.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Accumulated sediments harden into rock by lithification, as illustrated in the Figure below. Two important steps are needed for sediments to lithify.

Sediments are squeezed together by the weight of overlying sediments on top of them. This is called compaction. Cemented, non-organic sediments become clastic rocks. If organic material is included, they are bioclastic rocks.

Fluids fill in the spaces between the loose particles of sediment and crystallize to create a rock by cementation.

The sediment size in clastic sedimentary rocks varies greatly (see Table in Sedimentary Rocks Classification).

Answer 2

Answer:

Sedimentary rocks are the product of

1) weathering of preexisting rocks,

2) transport of the weathering products,

3) deposition of the material, followed by

4) compaction, and

5) cementation of the sediment to form a rock.

The latter two steps are called lithification.