Which of the following processes leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

The formation of sedimentary rocks primarily results from the pressing and cementing of particles. This process involves the accumulation of sediments, which can consist of fragments of other rocks, minerals, and organic materials. Over time, these sediments are compacted under the weight of overlying materials and undergo diagenesis, where they are chemically or physically altered and ultimately cemented together by minerals that precipitate from water, a process often aided by the presence of minerals like calcite or silica. This transformation of loose sediments into a solid rock is fundamental to the formation of sedimentary rocks, distinguishing them from igneous or metamorphic rocks that form through different geological processes.

In contrast, the other processes mentioned do not contribute to the creation of sedimentary rocks. Cooling of lava results in the formation of igneous rocks, while metamorphism involves the alteration of existing rocks under pressure and heat, leading to metamorphic rocks. Crystallization, often associated with the solidification of molten rock, also pertains to igneous rock formation rather than sedimentary processes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how different rock types form in the Earth's geological cycles.