diagenesis
/ˌdaɪəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
- The physical and chemical changes that happen to sediment after it is deposited, turning it into solid rock.
- Diagenesis explains how loose sand becomes hard sandstone over millions of years.
- Oil and gas form during the diagenesis of organic matter in ancient seabeds.
- The study of diagenesis helps geologists understand the history of sedimentary rocks.