Diagenesis

Diagenesis is a process that occurs in sedimentology and petrology, involving the physical and chemical changes that sediment undergoes after its initial deposition. This process, which occurs at relatively low temperatures and pressures, results in changes to the sediment's original mineralogy and texture.

Overview

Diagenesis is a critical stage in the sedimentary cycle, which includes weathering, transportation, deposition, and lithification. It begins after the sediment is deposited and continues until the sediment is lithified into rock. The process can include compaction, dissolution, cementation, and replacement.

Stages of Diagenesis

The stages of diagenesis can be broadly divided into three: eogenesis, mesogenesis, and telogenesis.

Eogenesis

Eogenesis is the earliest stage of diagenesis. It begins immediately after sediment deposition and includes processes such as compaction and initial cementation.

Mesogenesis

Mesogenesis is the main stage of diagenesis, where most of the diagenetic changes occur. It includes further compaction, cementation, and dissolution.

Telogenesis

Telogenesis is the final stage of diagenesis, which occurs after the sediment has been deeply buried and then uplifted. It includes processes such as dissolution and replacement.

Factors Influencing Diagenesis

Several factors influence the diagenesis process, including the nature of the original sediment, the environment of deposition, the depth of burial, and the time involved.

Diagenesis in Petrology

In petrology, diagenesis involves the changes that occur in a rock due to increases in temperature and pressure over time. This can result in the formation of new minerals, changes in the rock's texture, and alterations to its porosity and permeability.

See Also

• Sedimentology
• Petrology
• Lithification
• Eogenesis
• Mesogenesis
• Telogenesis