1. Weathering: This is the process where rocks are broken down by forces like:
* Physical weathering: This involves things like freezing and thawing of water in cracks, abrasion by wind or water, or plant roots growing in cracks.
* Chemical weathering: This involves reactions with water, acids, or oxygen, which can dissolve or alter the minerals in the rock.
2. Erosion: This is the process of moving the weathered rock fragments from their original location. This can be done by:
* Wind: Wind carries small particles of sediment.
* Water: Rivers, streams, oceans, and glaciers can transport sediment.
* Ice: Glaciers can scrape and carry huge amounts of sediment.
* Gravity: Gravity pulls sediment down slopes.
3. Deposition: This is the process where the transported sediment finally comes to rest. This can happen in many places:
* Rivers: Rivers slow down and deposit sediment at their mouths.
* Oceans: Waves and currents deposit sediment on the seafloor.
* Lakes: Sediment settles to the bottom of lakes.
* Deserts: Wind deposits sediment in dunes.
Once sediment is deposited, it can eventually be lithified (turned into rock) through compaction and cementation, leading to the formation of new sedimentary rocks.