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The key to converting sediment into sedimentary rock is often though of as being pressure. And it is only by burial that enough pressure can be generated on a layer of sediment to "press" it into sedimentary rock. With pressure and time comes what is called compaction and the expulsion of (most of) the space between the particles of sediment that were deposited. Let's look at sediments being laid down and turned into sedimentary rock.

When sediments are created, moved and deposited, they can consolidate and form a layer or layers. These strata will be composed of particles of organic and inorganic material. Included will be the intersticial spaces between the sediments. Any water present in the pore spaces (and there usually is) will bring with it dissolved minerals. These can precipitate out in the spaces, and will cause cementation, which is the binding of these minerals to the particles of sediment and the "sticking together" of the sediments. Following the deposition of more material, pressure (lithostatic pressure) will build on the underlying strata. The compaction forces the layer to become more dense and to "turn to stone" over time. And sedimentary rock is the result of this process.

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What is another word for burial compaction and cementation of sediment?

Diagenesis is the process that involves burial compaction and cementation of sediment.


The burial process involving sedimentary rocks is usually?

The burial process involving sedimentary rocks is usually characterized by the gradual accumulation of sediments over time. These sediments are compressed and cemented together to form rock layers, which can further undergo burial and lithification to become sedimentary rocks. This process may also involve tectonic forces that cause these rocks to be buried deeper within the Earth's crust.


What must occur for sedimentary rock to form?

Sedimentary rock forms when sediment (such as sand, silt, or clay) is deposited and compressed over time. This process involves the accumulation, burial, and compaction of sediment layers. Cementation, where minerals precipitate and bind the sediment grains together, also helps solidify sedimentary rock.


Why do rock fossils form in sedimentary rock and not igneous rock?

Rock fossils form in sedimentary rocks because the process of fossilization usually involves the burial and preservation of organic material in layers of sediment. Igneous rocks form from molten magma, which would destroy any organic material present, making it unlikely for fossils to be preserved in them. Sedimentary rocks, on the other hand, accumulate over time and provide the conditions necessary for the preservation of fossils.


How does a igneous rock become a sedimentary rock?

The igneous rock gets weathered into sediment by wind, water, and ices. The sediment is deposited in a basin and buried. The pressure of burial and the heat inside Earth turns that sediment into stone.

Related Questions

Is burial of sediment which makes the igneous rocks?

Burial of sediment does not make igneous rock.


What is another word for burial compaction and cementation of sediment?

Diagenesis is the process that involves burial compaction and cementation of sediment.


The burial process involving sedimentary rocks is usually?

The burial process involving sedimentary rocks is usually characterized by the gradual accumulation of sediments over time. These sediments are compressed and cemented together to form rock layers, which can further undergo burial and lithification to become sedimentary rocks. This process may also involve tectonic forces that cause these rocks to be buried deeper within the Earth's crust.


What must occur for sedimentary rock to form?

Sedimentary rock forms when sediment (such as sand, silt, or clay) is deposited and compressed over time. This process involves the accumulation, burial, and compaction of sediment layers. Cementation, where minerals precipitate and bind the sediment grains together, also helps solidify sedimentary rock.


Why do rock fossils form in sedimentary rock and not igneous rock?

Rock fossils form in sedimentary rocks because the process of fossilization usually involves the burial and preservation of organic material in layers of sediment. Igneous rocks form from molten magma, which would destroy any organic material present, making it unlikely for fossils to be preserved in them. Sedimentary rocks, on the other hand, accumulate over time and provide the conditions necessary for the preservation of fossils.


How does a igneous rock become a sedimentary rock?

The igneous rock gets weathered into sediment by wind, water, and ices. The sediment is deposited in a basin and buried. The pressure of burial and the heat inside Earth turns that sediment into stone.


Which rock type is most likely the result of compaction and cementation of particles?

Sedimentary rock is most likely the result of compaction and cementation of particles. This process involves the gradual accumulation, burial, and lithification of sediment to form rock. Examples of sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, and limestone.


What is the remains of ancient life preserved in the rock?

Burial in sediment


List in order the processes that could change one sedimentary rock into another sedimenary rock?

Lithification, burial, compaction, cementation, recrystallization, and metamorphism can change one sedimentary rock into another sedimentary rock. These processes involve the physical and chemical alteration of sediment grains through pressure, heat, and other factors.


What is burial metamorphism?

Burial metamorphism refers to the alteration of rocks due to increased pressure and temperature from the weight of overlying sediment. This type of metamorphism occurs at relatively low temperatures and pressures compared to other types, such as regional metamorphism. It commonly occurs in sedimentary rocks buried deep within the Earth's crust.


What is needed in order for sedimentary rocks to form from fragments?

Sedimentary rocks form from fragments through the processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification. Weathering breaks down solid rock into smaller fragments, which are then transported by water, wind, or ice, and eventually deposited in layers. Over time, the pressure from additional sediment layers can compact and cement the fragments together to form sedimentary rock.


What is deep burial of sediments?

Deep burial of sediments refers to the process where layers of sediment are deposited and subsequently buried by additional layers over time, leading to increased pressure and temperature. This process occurs in environments such as ocean basins, river deltas, or sedimentary basins. As sediments are buried deeper, they undergo diagenesis, which can transform them into sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation. This process is crucial in the formation of fossil fuels and other geological resources.