diagenesis

[dahy-uh-jen-uh-sis]

noun

Geology.

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

diagenesis

/ 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

diagenesis

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.

Other Word Forms

• diagenetic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diagenesis¹

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