Diagenetic structures

Abstract

The results of diagenetic alterations are visible whenever we examine sedimentary rocks in the field. Indeed, the very hardness of the rocks is the result of the diagenetic process of lithification, in which loose sediment is transformed into solid rock by cementation and compaction. However, there are numerous structures that can be readily observed in outcrop that result wholly from diagenetic alterations. These diagenetic structures include features such as concretions, cone-in-cone structure, geodes, liesegang bands, reduction features, sand crystals, and stylolites. Of these, concretions and stylolites are by far the most common and have been intensively studied, whereas the other features, although locally abundant, are relatively rare and have received less attention in the literature.