1. Weathering and Erosion: Igneous rocks, exposed at the Earth's surface, are broken down by weathering (rain, wind, ice, temperature changes) and erosion (wind, water, glaciers). This creates smaller fragments called sediments.
2. Transportation: These sediments are then transported by wind, water, or ice, and carried away from their original location.
3. Deposition: Eventually, the sediments settle and accumulate in a new location, often in layers.
4. Compaction: The weight of overlying sediments presses down on the deposited layers, squeezing out water and air, and compacting the sediments.
5. Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the groundwater precipitate between the sediment grains, acting as a glue that binds the sediments together. This process forms a solid rock called sedimentary rock.
In Summary:
Igneous rock -> Weathering and Erosion -> Sediments -> Transportation -> Deposition -> Compaction -> Cementation -> Sedimentary rock
Example:
* A granite (igneous rock) weathers into sand grains.
* These sand grains are carried by a river and deposited on a beach.
* Over time, the sand grains are compacted and cemented together, forming sandstone (sedimentary rock).
