1. Weathering and Erosion:
- Igneous rock is exposed to the elements (rain, wind, ice, temperature changes) and breaks down into smaller pieces.
- This process is called weathering.
- The broken pieces are then transported away by wind, water, or ice, which is called erosion.
2. Transportation and Deposition:
- The weathered pieces are transported by wind, water, or ice to a new location.
- They are then deposited in layers.
3. Compaction and Cementation:
- The deposited sediment layers are buried under more sediment.
- The weight of the overlying sediment compresses the lower layers, squeezing out water and air. This process is called compaction.
- Minerals dissolved in the water within the sediment layers crystallize and bind the sediment particles together. This is called cementation.
4. Lithification:
- Compaction and cementation together turn the loose sediment into solid rock. This process is called lithification.
- This new rock is now sedimentary rock.
Therefore, igneous rock doesn't directly transform into sedimentary rock. It first needs to be broken down, transported, deposited, compacted, and cemented to form a new sedimentary rock.
