Two important steps are needed for sediments to lithify. Sediments are squeezed together by the weight of overlying sediments on top of them. ... Cemented, non-organic sediments become clastic rocks. If organic material is included, they are bioclastic rocks.
(1) Sediments are squeezed together by the weight of overlying sediments on top of them. This is called compaction. Cemented, non-organic sediments become clastic rocks. If organic material is included, they are bioclastic rocks.
(2) Fluids fill in the spaces between the loose particles of sediment and crystallize to create a rock by cementation.
