Diagenesis

/ˌdaɪ.ə.dʒɛˈnɛ.sɪs/ noun

Definition

The process by which sediment is converted into sedimentary rock through heat, pressure, and chemical changes over time.

Etymology

From Greek 'dia-' (through) and 'genesis' (origin, creation), meaning literally 'generation through' or transformation.

Kelly Says

Diagenesis is why a handful of sandy beach from millions of years ago might be a piece of solid sandstone today—it's the ultimate slow transformation that shapes Earth's crust!

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