Which process can enhance the permeability of sedimentary rock?

Diagenesis refers to the physical and chemical processes that take place after sediments are deposited and during their transformation into sedimentary rock. One of the key aspects of diagenesis is its role in enhancing permeability, which is the ability of a rock to transmit fluids through its pore spaces.

During diagenesis, processes such as compaction, cementation, and mineral alteration can affect the size, shape, and connectivity of the pores within sedimentary rocks. Specifically, diagenetic processes can lead to the dissolution of some minerals and the precipitation of others, which might create larger and more well-connected pore spaces, ultimately increasing permeability.

For example, the dissolution of calcite or other cementing minerals can enhance porosity and therefore improve the rock's ability to allow fluids to flow through it. Additionally, the alteration of clays and other fine-grained materials can also play a role in increasing the interconnectedness of pore spaces, further contributing to higher permeability.

While cementation typically acts to fill pore spaces and can reduce permeability, processes involved in diagenesis can include both cementation and dissolution, allowing for a nuanced outcome where permeability may ultimately be enhanced. Weathering, while it can create more porous materials at the surface, primarily affects rocks prior