In geology, consolidation is used in several senses: *

Lithification Lithification (from the Ancient Greek word ''lithos'' meaning 'rock' and the Latin-derived suffix ''-ific'') is the process in which sediments compact under pressure, expel connate fluids, and gradually become solid rock. Essentially, lithificati ...

, the overall process of conversion of loose sediments to solid rock. * Any other process in which loose or fluid material becomes solid rock, such as solidification of

magma Magma () is the molten or semi-molten natural material from which all igneous rocks are formed. Magma (sometimes colloquially but incorrectly referred to as ''lava'') is found beneath the surface of the Earth, and evidence of magmatism has also ...

. *

Compaction (geology) In sedimentology, compaction is the process by which a sediment progressively loses its porosity due to the effects of pressure from loading. This forms part of the process of lithification. When a layer of sediment is originally deposited, it c ...

, the decrease in volume and increase in density of

sediments Sediment is a solid material that is transported to a new location where it is deposited. It occurs naturally and, through the processes of weathering and erosion, is broken down and subsequently sediment transport, transported by the action of ...

as the weight of overlying sediments increases, mineral grains move to more compact arrangements, and pore water is expelled. The term is particularly used for

soil consolidation Soil consolidation refers to the soil mechanics, mechanical process by which soil changes volume gradually in response to a change in pressure. This happens because soil is a three-phase material. The first phase consists of soil grains, and a ...

. * Rarely, as a term for the conversion of a mobile belt to a rigid part of a continental platform; an

orogeny Orogeny () is a mountain-mountain formation, building process that takes place at a convergent boundary, convergent plate margin when plate motion compresses the margin. An or develops as the compressed plate crumples and is tectonic uplift, u ...

References

Geological processes Sedimentary rocks {{geology-stub