Which of the following best describes the role of cementation in lithification?

Which of the following best describes the role of cementation in lithification?

• A. It melts sediments into melt
• B. It binds sediment grains together with mineral cement
• C. It degrades rocks
• D. It relocates sediments

Answer: (B)

Cementation in lithification is the process of binding sediment grains together with mineral cement. As sediments are buried, fluids move through the pores and dissolved minerals precipitate, often as calcite, silica, or iron oxides, filling the gaps between grains and effectively gluing them into a solid rock. This binding happens in addition to compaction, which reduces pore spaces and brings grains into contact, but cementation is the key step that holds the rock together with mineral cement. The other options describe melting, weathering, or moving sediments, which are not the binding action of cementation.

Cementation in lithification is the process of binding sediment grains together with mineral cement. As sediments are buried, fluids move through the pores and dissolved minerals precipitate, often as calcite, silica, or iron oxides, filling the gaps between grains and effectively gluing them into a solid rock. This binding happens in addition to compaction, which reduces pore spaces and brings grains into contact, but cementation is the key step that holds the rock together with mineral cement. The other options describe melting, weathering, or moving sediments, which are not the binding action of cementation.