What is the process of changes that produce rock from sediments?

• A. Weathering
• B. Lithification
• C. Erosion
• D. Sedimentation

Answer: (B)

Lithification is the process that turns loose sediments into solid rock. After sediments are deposited, the weight of overlying material compresses them, squeezing out water and reducing pore space—that’s compaction. Minerals dissolved in groundwater then precipitate between the grains and cement the particles together, binding them into a solid rock—that’s cementation. Weathering breaks down rocks into sediments, erosion transports those sediments, and sedimentation deposits them in layers; none of those steps alone converts the loose material into rock. Lithification does.