1. Weathering and Erosion:
* Weathering: This is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces. It can be caused by physical forces like wind and water, or chemical reactions.
* Erosion: This is the process of moving weathered rock fragments from one location to another. Wind, water, ice, and gravity are all agents of erosion.
2. Transportation and Deposition:
* The eroded rock fragments are transported by wind, water, or ice.
* As the transporting force loses energy, the fragments are deposited in a new location, often in layers.
3. Compaction and Cementation:
* Compaction: The weight of overlying sediments presses down on the deposited layers, squeezing out water and air, and causing the sediments to become more tightly packed.
* Cementation: Minerals dissolved in groundwater precipitate between the sediment grains, acting like glue to bind them together.
4. Lithification:
* Lithification: The process of compaction and cementation turns loose sediment into solid rock. This is the final step in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Here's a simplified illustration:
1. Igneous or metamorphic rock: Exposed to weathering and erosion.
2. Weathering and erosion: Break the rock down into smaller pieces.
3. Transportation and deposition: The fragments are transported and deposited in layers.
4. Compaction and cementation: The layers are compacted and cemented together, forming sedimentary rock.
Important Note: This process takes a very long time, often millions of years.
