lithifikáció

Lithification is the process by which unconsolidated sediments, such as sand, mud, or organic debris, are transformed into solid rock. This geological process occurs over time through a combination of physical and chemical changes. Primarily, lithification involves compaction and cementation.

Compaction is the initial stage where the weight of overlying sediments presses down on the buried layers. This pressure squeezes out water and reduces the pore space between sediment grains, forcing them closer together. As the sediment becomes more deeply buried, the temperature and pressure increase, further enhancing this compaction.

Cementation follows compaction. Groundwater circulating through the sediment carries dissolved minerals. These minerals precipitate out of the water within the pore spaces, binding the sediment grains together. Common cementing agents include silica, calcite, and iron oxides. Over long periods, this precipitation effectively glues the sediment particles into a coherent rock mass. Other processes contributing to lithification can include recrystallization, where existing minerals change their form or size, and the formation of new minerals. The resulting solidified material is known as sedimentary rock.