How can an igneous rock turn into a sedimentary rock?
An igneous rock can turn into a sedimentary rock through a process called weathering and erosion, followed by transportation, deposition, and lithification. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. Weathering: The igneous rock is exposed to weathering agents such as wind, water, and temperature changes. These agents cause physical and chemical breakdown of the igneous rock.
2. Erosion: The weathered rock fragments are then transported by natural forces like water, wind, or glaciers. They can be carried away from the site of weathering.
3. Transportation: The rock fragments are transported by these natural forces to a new location, such as a riverbed, lake, or ocean. During transportation, the fragments can be sorted based on size, with larger fragments usually settling closer to the source while smaller ones are carried further away.
4. Deposition: As the transporting agents (water, wind, etc.) lose energy, they can no longer carry the rock fragments. Consequently, the fragments settle and accumulate in layers, forming a sediment deposit.
5. Lithification: Over time, the accumulated sediment undergoes compaction and cementation, a process known as lithification. The weight of the overlying sediment and the minerals in groundwater act as the cementing agents, binding the sediment particles together and turning them into a solid sedimentary rock.
Through these processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification, an igneous rock can transform into a sedimentary rock.