Here's why:
* Lithification is the process by which sediments (like sand, silt, clay, or organic matter) are transformed into solid rock.
* This process involves several steps:
* Compaction: The weight of overlying sediments squeezes out water and air from the spaces between particles.
* Cementation: Minerals dissolved in groundwater precipitate between the sediment grains, acting like glue to bind them together.
Therefore, lithification is the key process that forms sedimentary rocks.
