What process transforms sediments into rocks?

The process that transforms sediments into rocks is known as lithification, which primarily occurs through heat and pressure. When sediments accumulate over time, layers build up, leading to increased pressure from the weight of the overlying material. This pressure, combined with the heat from the Earth's interior, causes the sediments to compact and undergo chemical changes, resulting in the formation of sedimentary rocks.

In this context, heat and pressure are essential because they not only help to cement the particles together but also facilitate mineral reactions that can alter the composition of the sediment. This transformation is a key aspect of the rock cycle, linking the sedimentary stages with the igneous and metamorphic processes.

The other processes listed—evaporation, freezing, and vaporization—do not contribute to the formation of rocks from sediments. Evaporation is a process that involves the transformation of liquid water into vapor but does not apply to sediment compaction. Freezing pertains to the conversion of liquids into solids, which is not related to sedimentary processes in the context of rock formation. Vaporization also involves a change from liquid to gas and is similarly unrelated to how sediments become lithified into rocks.