Compaction would probably be most significant as a lithification process for ___________.
A) shale
B) conglomerate
C) breccia
D) sandstone

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Compaction is the process of squeezing sediments together to reduce pore space and increase density. Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of clay and silt-sized particles, which are easily compacted due to their small size and flat shape. Conglomerate and breccia are composed of larger, more angular sediment grains that are less easily compacted. Sandstone is composed of sand-sized grains, which may be compacted but may also undergo other lithification processes such as cementation. Therefore, the most significant lithification process for shale is compaction.

Compaction Would Probably Be Most Significant as a Lithification Process