1. Lithification: This is the process by which sediments are turned into rock. It occurs when the sediments are compacted and cemented together by minerals such as calcite, quartz, and iron oxide.
2. Compaction: This is the process by which the weight of overlying sediments presses down on the sediments below, causing them to become more compact and dense.
3. Cementation: This is the process by which minerals such as calcite, quartz, and iron oxide are deposited in the spaces between the sediments, binding them together into rock.
Different types of sedimentary rocks are formed by different combinations of these processes. For example, sandstone is formed when sand grains are compacted and cemented together by calcite or quartz. Limestone is formed when calcite-rich sediments are compacted and cemented together. And shale is formed when clay-rich sediments are compacted and cemented together.
