Here's why:
* Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. This is the initial step where existing rocks (igneous, metamorphic, or even existing sedimentary rocks) are broken down into smaller pieces.
* Erosion follows weathering and involves the transportation of the weathered material. This can be done by wind, water, or ice.
* Deposition is the process where the eroded material settles in a new location.
* Burial and compaction occur as more sediment layers accumulate on top, pressing down on the existing layers. This squeezes out water and air, compacting the sediment.
* Cementation is the final stage where dissolved minerals in the groundwater crystallize between the sediment particles, binding them together to form solid rock.
So, weathering is the essential first step that sets the stage for the formation of sedimentary rocks.
