Transportation in the rock cycle refers to the movement of sediment and other materials from one location to another through natural processes. This occurs primarily through agents like water, wind, and ice, which carry weathered rock fragments and soil away from their source.
Once rocks are broken down into smaller pieces through weathering, these fragments can be transported over varying distances. For instance, rivers can carry sediments downstream, glaciers can move boulders, and winds can lift sand and dust. This process is crucial in shaping landscapes and forming new geological features.
In essence, transportation allows for the redistribution of materials, contributing to the continuous cycle of rock formation and erosion. By moving sediments, these natural forces help in the formation of sedimentary rocks when materials are deposited and compacted over time in different environments, such as riverbeds, lakes, or ocean floors.