What is the term for the process by which sediments become solid rock?

The process by which sediments become solid rock is known as lithification. This geological process involves several steps: compaction, where sediments are pressed together under pressure, and cementation, where minerals precipitate from groundwater and fill the spaces between sediment grains, binding them together to form solid rock.

Lithification transforms loose sediments, such as sand or mud, into sedimentary rock over time, creating layers that can tell us about Earth's history. This process is critical in the rock cycle as it contributes to the formation of sedimentary rocks, which are essential for understanding past environments and geological changes. Other terms in the options refer to different processes that are not related to the transformation of sediments into rock.