Final answer:
Geological consolidation from fragile sediment to solid rock generally sums to about 700 years, but can vary up to 1,335 years. This process can proceed at a rate of a finger's breadth per year, though some conditions may lead to consolidation in as quick as forty-five days.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the rate at which geological consolidation, such as the transformation from a fragile state like sediment to a solid rock, is a complex process and can vary greatly. In sedimentary rocks, compaction and cementation in a geological time frame can sum to about 700 years, as seen in ice and ocean sediment records.
However, this is a simplification, as geological processes can be much slower, with some reports indicating that it can take up to 1,335 years for full consolidation. These timeframes are further complicated by the fact that the rate of sediment accumulation can be as slow as a finger's breadth per year. It is noteworthy though that another source cites the average time for certain consolidation processes to be around forty-five days, but this is likely in reference to a specific condition or context different from long-term geological processes.