Litifikacija

Litifikacija, also known as lithification, is the process by which sediments are transformed into solid rock. This geological process occurs in several stages and involves various physical and chemical changes. Initially, sediments such as sand, silt, and clay are deposited in layers, often in bodies of water like oceans or lakes. Over time, these sediments are compacted by the weight of overlying layers, reducing the pore spaces between the particles. This compaction increases the density of the sediment and removes water and air, a process known as dewatering.

As compaction continues, the sediments undergo cementation, where minerals dissolved in groundwater precipitate and bind the sediment particles together. Common cementing agents include silica, calcite, and iron oxides. This chemical process further solidifies the sediment, turning it into a cohesive rock mass. The type of rock formed depends on the original composition of the sediments and the cementing minerals involved. For example, sandstone is formed from quartz-rich sediments, while limestone is formed from sediments rich in calcium carbonate.

Lithification is a crucial step in the rock cycle, as it converts loose sediments into solid rock, which can then be uplifted, weathered, and eroded to form new sediments. This continuous cycle of sedimentation and lithification is fundamental to the Earth's geological history and the formation of its crust. The process of lithification can take millions of years, but it plays a vital role in shaping the Earth's surface and its geological features.