Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Weathering and Erosion: Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces (sediment) by wind, water, ice, and other natural forces.
2. Transportation: The sediment is carried away from its original location by wind, water, or ice.
3. Deposition: The sediment eventually settles in a new location, often in layers.
4. Compaction: As more sediment builds up, the weight of the upper layers presses down on the lower layers, squeezing out water and air. This process is called compaction.
5. Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the water seep into the spaces between the sediment particles and crystallize, binding the sediment together. This process is called cementation.
The combination of compaction and cementation transforms loose sediment into solid sedimentary rock.