Theory 68/Rock cycle/Progression phase
Burial Is Load Against Buoyancy
The claim
Sediment turns to rock when the ratio of burial pressure to pore pressure exceeds a threshold, expelling water and compacting grains.
01Mechanism
Compaction requires effective stress; the ratio sets it.
02Prediction
Lithification should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Lithification tracking depth would remove pore pressure.