1. Sediment Deposition: The process begins with the accumulation of sediments – sand, silt, clay, or even organic matter – in a location like a lake bed, river delta, or ocean floor.

2. Burial and Compaction: Over time, more sediment layers are deposited on top, burying the older layers. The weight of these overlying sediments creates enormous pressure on the lower layers.

3. Compaction: This pressure squeezes out water and air from the spaces between sediment grains, forcing them closer together. This process is called compaction.

4. Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the water that seep through the sediments precipitate out and crystallize in the spaces between the grains. These minerals act like glue, binding the sediment particles together. Common cementing minerals include calcite, quartz, and iron oxides.

5. Solid Rock Formation: As compaction and cementation continue, the sediment gradually transforms into a solid, coherent rock. The type of rock formed depends on the original sediment composition and the specific minerals involved in cementation.

In summary, lithification is the process by which loose sediment is transformed into solid rock through compaction and cementation.