Igneous rock can turn into a sedimentary rock through a process called weathering and erosion. Here are the steps:
1. Weathering: Igneous rock is exposed to the elements such as wind, water, temperature changes, and chemical reactions. This causes the rock to gradually break down into smaller fragments or particles.
2. Erosion: The small fragments or particles of the igneous rock are then transported away from their original location by agents like water, wind, or ice. They can be moved a long distance before settling in a new location.
3. Deposition: The transported fragments or particles settle down and accumulate in a new location, such as a riverbed, lake, or ocean floor. Over time, with more sediment accumulating, layers of sediment are formed.
4. Compaction: The weight of the overlying sediment layers compacts and compresses the sediments beneath. This pressure drives out the air and reduces the spaces between the sediment particles.
5. Cementation: Minerals like calcite or silica dissolve in water and fill in the remaining spaces between the sediment particles. As the water evaporates, the dissolved minerals precipitate, acting as a cement that binds the sediment particles together.
6. Lithification: The compaction and cementation processes turn the loose sediment into solid rock, forming a sedimentary rock. Through lithification, the sedimentary rock retains the layered structure derived from the original deposition.
Overall, the transformation from igneous rock to sedimentary rock involves the processes of weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, and lithification.
How can igneous rock turn into a sedimentary rock
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