Three primary processes that transform metamorphic and sedimentary rocks into sediment are weathering, erosion, and transportation.
1. Weathering: This is the first step where physical and chemical processes break down rocks into smaller particles. For instance, temperature changes can cause rocks to crack and break apart. Chemical weathering involves reactions that alter the minerals within the rock, leading to further disintegration.
2. Erosion: After weathering, the loose particles are then worn away and removed from their original location by the action of wind, water, or ice. Erosion helps transport these particles away, often leading to their deposition in new areas.
3. Transportation: This process covers the movement of sediment by natural forces, primarily water, wind, or ice, over distances varying from just a few meters to hundreds of kilometers. The particles get carried along until they settle down and can form new sedimentary deposits. Each of these processes plays a crucial role in the rock cycle, contributing to the formation and transformation of geological materials.