What is the term for the process that forms sedimentary rocks by cementing and compressing sediments?

What is the term for the process that forms sedimentary rocks by cementing and compressing sediments?

• A. Metamorphism under high heat and pressure
• B. Melting sediments into magma
• C. Lithification (cementing and compression) of sediments
• D. Weathering of rocks into sediment

Answer: (C)

Lithification is the process that turns loose sediments into solid rock through cementing and compaction. As sediments are buried under successive layers, pressure compacts them, squeezing out air and water and bringing grains closer together. Minerals dissolved in groundwater then precipitate and act as a cement, binding the grains so they stick together and form solid sedimentary rock. Other options describe different processes: melting would create magma and igneous rocks, weathering breaks rocks into sediments, and metamorphism changes rocks through heat and pressure rather than cementing and compressing sediments.

Lithification is the process that turns loose sediments into solid rock through cementing and compaction. As sediments are buried under successive layers, pressure compacts them, squeezing out air and water and bringing grains closer together. Minerals dissolved in groundwater then precipitate and act as a cement, binding the grains so they stick together and form solid sedimentary rock.

Other options describe different processes: melting would create magma and igneous rocks, weathering breaks rocks into sediments, and metamorphism changes rocks through heat and pressure rather than cementing and compressing sediments.