Here's how it works:
1. Weathering: Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by wind, rain, ice, and even living organisms like plants and animals. This process is called weathering.
2. Erosion: The smaller pieces of rock are then moved around by wind, water, or ice. This process is called erosion.
3. Deposition: The eroded rock pieces are deposited in a new location, often forming layers of sediment.
4. Decomposition: Organic matter, like dead plants and animals, decomposes and mixes with the sediment.
5. Soil Formation: Over long periods of time, these layers of sediment and organic matter mix together, creating the different layers of soil we see today.
So, rocks are the parent material for soil, not the other way around.
