1. Break down into smaller pieces:
* Physical weathering: Processes like freeze-thaw, abrasion, and salt wedging break the rock into smaller pieces, called sediment. This sediment can be transported by wind, water, or ice.
* Chemical weathering: Processes like oxidation, hydrolysis, and dissolution can weaken the rock and break it down into smaller particles or dissolved minerals.
2. Formation of new minerals:
* Chemical weathering can create new minerals from the existing ones in the rock. This is called mineral alteration. For example, feldspar in granite can be altered to clay minerals.
3. Transport:
* The broken-down sediment is transported by wind, water, or ice. The distance and mode of transport can influence the size and shape of the sediment particles.
4. Deposition:
* Eventually, the transported sediment is deposited in a new location. This deposition can occur in various environments, such as riverbeds, lakes, oceans, or deserts.
5. Formation of new sedimentary rock:
* Over time, the deposited sediment undergoes lithification, a process where it is cemented together by minerals dissolved in groundwater. This forms new sedimentary rock.
6. Further weathering:
* Even after forming new sedimentary rock, the rock is still susceptible to weathering. It can be broken down again into smaller particles, continuing the cycle of weathering and erosion.
In short, sedimentary rock undergoing weathering undergoes a process of:
1. Break down into smaller pieces.
2. Transport to a new location.
3. Deposition in a new environment.
4. Lithification to form new sedimentary rock.
This cycle can repeat, forming new sedimentary rocks from the weathered remnants of old ones. This continuous process is part of the rock cycle, constantly reshaping the Earth's surface.
