* Sedimentation: Soil particles, along with other materials like sand, silt, and organic matter, are deposited in layers.
* Compaction: The weight of overlying layers presses down on the sediment, squeezing out water and air, compacting the particles together.
* Cementation: Dissolved minerals in groundwater precipitate out and crystallize between the sediment grains, acting like glue to bind them together.
This process can take thousands to millions of years, depending on the conditions. The resulting rock is called sedimentary rock.
Examples of sedimentary rocks formed from soil:
* Sandstone: Formed from compacted and cemented sand grains.
* Mudstone: Formed from compacted and cemented clay and silt.
* Conglomerate: Formed from cemented gravel and pebbles.
It's important to note that not all soil will turn into rock. Some soil types are more prone to lithification than others, and the process can be interrupted by erosion or other geological events.