diagenesis

American  

[dahy-uh-jen-uh-sis] / ˌdaɪ əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun

Geology.

1. the physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between the times of deposition and solidification.

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diagenesis British  

/ ˌdaɪəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs, ˌdaɪədʒəˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. the sum of the physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place in sediments as they become consolidated into rocks, including compaction and cementation, but excluding weathering and metamorphic changes

2. chem recrystallization of a solid to form large crystal grains from smaller ones

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diagenesis Scientific  

/ dī′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs /

1. The process by which sediment undergoes chemical and physical changes during its lithification (conversion to rock). Compaction, leaching, cementation, and recrystallization are all forms of diagenesis. Erosion and metamorphism are not. Oil, gas, and coal form through the diagenesis of organic sedimentary matter.

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Other Word Forms

• diagenetic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of diagenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at dia-, -genesis

Example Sentences

During diagenesis, sediments are chemically altered by heat and pressure.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Although not derived from sediment, this lithified organic material is associated with sedimentary strata and created by similar processes—burial, compaction, and diagenesis.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

But once that clamshell undergoes burial, diagenesis, or other geological processes, then the calcite is considered a mineral.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

But once that clamshell undergoes burial, diagenesis, or other geological processes, then the calcite is considered a mineral.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

The processes of cementation, compaction, and ultimately lithification occur within the realm of diagenesis, which includes the processes that turn organic material into fossils.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017