What is lithification in geology?

Answer 1

Lithification is the natural creation of sedimentary rock through the processes of compaction and cementation of sediments. The compaction usually occurs as a result of the crushing weight of overlying sediments above, expelling water and air from between the pore spaces of the individual sediment particles. As the water is squeezed out, a form of mineral precipitation occurs and these minute mineral crystal structures attach themselves to, and cement together, the individual particles of sediment, whether they be sand grains, minute clay particles, pebbles, or boulders.

Answer 2

Lithification is simply conversion of lose sediments into a solid rock due to pressure.

Digenesis is the process that sediments go through after deposition. It includes all the chemical, physical and biological changes that sediments go through before, during and after lithification. It is important to remember that digenesis takes place at low temperature and pressure compare to metamorphism, which is solid state recrystallization of Igneous, sedimentary and other metamorphic rocks occurs at high temperature and pressure. (Samin Ali)

Answer 3

Lithification is the process by which loose sediment is turned into solid rock through compaction and cementation. Sediments are buried under layers of sediment and become compacted, squeezing out pore water and air. The minerals in the sediment may also dissolve and act as a cementing agent, binding the sediment grains together to form rock.

Answer 4

Deposition is the process in which sediment is laid down. Lithification is the process in which sediment is compacted together to form a sedimentary rock.