lithification

American  

[lith-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌlɪθ ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

Geology.

1. the process or processes by which unconsolidated materials are converted into coherent solid rock, as by compaction or cementation.

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lithification British  

/ ˌlɪθɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the consolidation of a loosely deposited sediment into a hard sedimentary rock

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Usage

What does lithification mean? Lithification is the process by which sediments are turned into solid rock. Sediments are fragments of material, such as sand, gravel, bones, and silt, that have been moved and deposited somewhere by water, ice, or wind. These sediments may have been created by other natural processes, such as erosion, that break big rocks into small fragments. Lithification then turns these tiny bits of things into solid rock. It’s the final step in creating sedimentary rock. Lithification typically involves compaction and cementation. Compaction pushes all of the sediments together so they are packed tightly. In nature, this most often happens when sediments are piled together and then buried under other material. The pressure from the weight of the material on top forces the sediments close together. When the sediments are squeezed together, water and other liquids are forced out, reducing the number of pores (holes) and gaps between them. Cementation follows compaction. When compaction squeezes the liquids out of the sediment, sticky solubles are left behind. These solubles act as a natural cement or glue that binds the sediments together. Cementation lessens the number of pores, which would allow air and water to enter and potentially destroy the rock before it can form. Lithification is complete when the sediments have been turned into a solid layer of sedimentary rock.

Etymology

Origin of lithification

First recorded in 1870–75; lith- + -i- + -fication

Explanation

Lithification happens when loose materials like dirt and sand are under high pressure for a long time. Air and liquids get squeezed out, and the material turns into a solid object. That's how rocks like limestone and sandstone are formed. The root word, lithify, comes from the Greek word lithos, meaning "stone," plus the English suffix -ify, meaning "turn into." So lithification is the process of turning into stone. But while you could probably use it in a general sense to describe, say, what the Greek mythological character Medusa did to her victims when she looked at them, it's mostly used in geology to describe the process of how certain types of rock are formed.

Example Sentences

You'll be easily mistaken for a professional geologist when you whip out a boring brown rock and expound upon its wild journey to lithification.

From Scientific American • Feb. 4, 2018

These processes of compaction and cementation are called lithification.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

It shapes our planet through weathering and erosion, deposits minerals that aid in lithification, and alters rocks after they are lithified.

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

Consolidation and cementation during the process of lithification of unconsolidated sediments into sedimentary rocks reduces primary porosity.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015