1. Weathering: This is the process by which rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface are broken down into smaller pieces. Weathering can be caused by physical processes, such as temperature changes and freezing and thawing, or by chemical processes, such as the reaction of water with minerals.
2. Erosion: Once the rocks and minerals have been weathered, they can be transported away by the force of water, wind, or ice. This process is called erosion.
3. Deposition: The eroded materials are then deposited in another location, such as at the bottom of a river or ocean, or in a desert.
4. Compaction: As more and more sediment is deposited, the weight of the overlying layers compresses the sediment below. This process is called compaction.
5. Cementation: Over time, the minerals in the sediment are cemented together by minerals such as calcite, quartz, or iron oxide. This process is called cementation.
6. Lithification: The combination of compaction and cementation transforms the sediment into a solid and coherent rock. This final process is called lithification.
