1. Weathering and Erosion:
* Weathering: The rock is broken down into smaller pieces by forces like wind, rain, ice, and chemical reactions. This process creates sediment (sand, silt, clay, etc.).
* Erosion: The weathered sediment is transported away from its original location by wind, water, or ice.
2. Deposition:
* The transported sediment eventually settles in a new location, often in layers at the bottom of a lake, ocean, or riverbed.
3. Compaction and Cementation:
* Compaction: The weight of overlying sediment layers presses down on the deposited sediment, squeezing out water and air. This process compacts the sediment.
* Cementation: Minerals dissolved in the water between sediment particles precipitate out and act as a glue, binding the sediment grains together. This process cements the sediment into solid rock.
4. Lithification:
* The combination of compaction and cementation forms a solid sedimentary rock.
The cycle continues:
* Over time, the sedimentary rock may be uplifted and exposed to the surface again.
* The rock then undergoes weathering and erosion, starting the cycle all over again.
Important Note: There are multiple pathways through the rock cycle. A sedimentary rock can also be transformed into metamorphic or igneous rock through different geological processes.
