* Weathering: The breakdown of existing rocks (igneous, metamorphic, or even other sedimentary rocks) into smaller pieces. This happens through:
* Physical weathering: Forces like wind, rain, ice, and temperature changes break rocks apart.
* Chemical weathering: Reactions with water, acids, and oxygen change the chemical composition of rocks, making them weaker and easier to break down.
* Erosion: The movement of weathered rock fragments by wind, water, ice, or gravity. This transportation can carry the fragments long distances.
Sedimentary Rocks are Formed from Weathered and Eroded Material:
1. Weathering and Erosion: Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces (sediments).
2. Transportation: Sediments are carried by wind, water, or ice to new locations.
3. Deposition: Sediments settle out of the transportation medium, often in layers.
4. Compaction: Over time, the weight of overlying sediments presses down on the deposited layers, squeezing out water and air.
5. Cementation: Dissolved minerals in the water between the sediments crystallize, binding the particles together and forming solid rock.
Therefore, sedimentary rocks are not only affected by weathering and erosion, they are formed by them!
However, once formed, sedimentary rocks can also be further weathered and eroded, which can then contribute to the formation of new sedimentary rocks in a continuous cycle.
