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Contents of 5.4 How does loose sediment become sedimentary rock?

5.4 How does loose sediment become sedimentary rock?

• As sediment accumulates, older sediments compact under the weight of younger sediment atop. Compaction packs grains closer together and permits weak cohesion by electrical attractions.
• Strong sedimentary rocks form by the precipitation of cementing minerals in the spaces between sediment grains. Calcite, quartz, clay minerals, and hematite are the major cementing minerals.