1. Weathering and erosion: Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by weathering, and then eroded by wind, water, and ice.

2. Transportation: The eroded rock particles are transported to a new location by wind, water, or ice.

3. Deposition: The eroded rock particles are deposited in a new location, such as a river delta, a beach, or a lake bottom.

4. Compaction: The weight of the overlying sediment compresses the deposited rock particles, squeezing out water and reducing the porosity of the rock.

5. Cementation: Minerals dissolved in water cement the rock particles together, forming a solid rock.