* Weathering: The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces is called weathering. This can happen through various means like:
* Physical Weathering: Freezing/thawing, wind abrasion, and even plant roots can break rocks apart.
* Chemical Weathering: Acid rain, oxidation, and even living organisms can chemically alter the rock's composition.
* Erosion: Once rocks are broken down, they can be transported by wind, water, or ice. This process of moving the broken rock fragments is called erosion.
So, whether it's igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock, they can all be weathered and eroded to form sediment.
Examples:
* Granite (igneous): Weathers into sand and gravel.
* Limestone (sedimentary): Weathers into calcium carbonate particles.
* Marble (metamorphic): Weathers into smaller fragments of calcite.
