23 Questions
What is the main process involved in lithification?
Compaction
Which type of sedimentary rock is formed when individual rocks and stones become cemented into a new, larger rock?
Clastic sedimentary rocks
What type of sedimentary rocks form due to the precipitation of chemical compounds out of water?
Chemical sedimentary rocks
How are organic sedimentary rocks formed?
When plants and the shells of aquatic organisms become cemented together or dissolve to form a precipitate
What role does lithification play in the rock cycle?
It contributes to the formation of new sedimentary rock
In the context of sedimentary rocks, what does 'lithification' refer to?
The mechanisms contributing to the formation of new sedimentary rock
What are the three main processes involved in lithification?
Compaction, cementation, and recrystallization
What is the process by which loose sediments combine to form sedimentary rocks?
Lithification
Which process involves dissolved minerals crystallizing and gluing sediment grains together?
Cementation
Which type of sedimentary rock is formed by the weathering and breakdown of the skeletons and shells of dead animals?
Limestone
What are the initial steps in the formation of sedimentary rocks, involving the breaking down and moving of rocks and soil?
Weathering and erosion
Which type of sedimentary rock is formed by compaction?
Shale
What is the final step in the rock cycle involving the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Lithification
Which process involves the weight of overlying sediments causing new sedimentary rocks to form?
Compaction
Which type of sedimentary rock is formed by recrystallization?
Salt
Which process is involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks by the lithification process?
Compaction
What is the term for the process of dissolved minerals crystallizing and gluing sediment grains together in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Cementation
Which of the following is an example of a sedimentary rock formed by cementation?
Limestone
What is the term for the process of crystals dissolving in a solution and then becoming recrystallized to form new stable crystals, binding sediment grains together?
Recrystallization
Which of the following is an example of a sedimentary rock formed by compaction?
Shale
What are the initial steps in the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Weathering and erosion
What is the term for the process by which loose sediments combine to form sedimentary rocks?
Lithification
Which geologic process involves the recycling of sedimentary materials on Earth?
The sedimentary rock cycle
Study Notes
Lithification: The Final Step in the Rock Cycle
- The sedimentary rock cycle involves five geologic processes working together to recycle sedimentary materials on Earth.
- Weathering and erosion are the initial steps in the formation of sedimentary rocks, breaking down and moving rocks and soil via wind and rain.
- Sediments are transported by wind, rain, and bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans, and are eventually deposited in different locations.
- Lithification, also known as diagenesis, is the process by which loose sediments combine to form sedimentary rocks.
- Three processes involved in lithification are compaction, cementation, and recrystallization.
- Compaction occurs when loose sediments pile up and the weight of overlying sediments causes new sedimentary rocks to form.
- Cementation involves dissolved minerals crystallizing and gluing sediment grains together.
- Recrystallization involves crystals dissolving in a solution and then becoming recrystallized to form new stable crystals, binding sediment grains together.
- Sandstone, siltstone, and shale are examples of sedimentary rocks formed by compaction.
- Salt, gypsum, and limestone are examples of sedimentary rocks formed by cementation, with table salt being derived from sodium chloride deposits.
- Recrystallization is associated with the weathering and breakdown of the skeletons and shells of dead animals, forming new chemical sedimentary rocks.
- The rock cycle involves a combination of processes that work together to form new sedimentary rocks, demonstrating the dynamic nature of Earth's geology.
Test your knowledge of the final step in the rock cycle with this quiz on lithification. Learn about the processes of compaction, cementation, and recrystallization, and discover the formation of various sedimentary rocks.
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