1. Weathering: Igneous rock is exposed to the elements (rain, wind, ice, temperature changes) which break it down into smaller pieces. This can happen through:
* Physical weathering: Mechanical forces like freezing/thawing, abrasion, and impact break the rock into smaller fragments.
* Chemical weathering: Chemical reactions like oxidation, hydrolysis, and dissolution break down the rock's minerals.
2. Erosion: The weathered fragments are then transported away from their original location by wind, water, or ice.
3. Deposition: As the transporting force loses energy (e.g., a river slows down), the sediment particles are deposited in a new location, often in layers.
4. Compaction and Cementation: Over time, the weight of overlying sediment layers compresses the deposited particles, squeezing out water and air. Minerals dissolved in the water precipitate between the sediment grains, acting as a "glue" and cementing the particles together.
Finally, the compacted and cemented sediment particles form sedimentary rock.
Important note: The process of weathering, erosion, deposition, and cementation is ongoing, and the sedimentary rock formed from igneous rock can again be uplifted and exposed to weathering, starting the cycle anew. This continuous cycle of rock transformation is known as the rock cycle.
