To change from one kind of sedimentary rock to another, the process typically involves the following steps:
1. **Weathering:** The original sedimentary rock would need to undergo weathering processes such as exposure to wind, water, and temperature changes. This can break down the rock into smaller particles or dissolve certain minerals.
2. **Erosion and Transport:** The weathered particles are then transported by natural agents like water, wind, or ice to a new location. This transportation process can carry the sediments to new environments where different sedimentary rocks may form.
3. **Deposition:** Once the weathered particles reach a new location, they settle and accumulate in layers. Over time, with the accumulation of more sediments and with the pressure from overlying layers, these sediments can undergo a process known as lithification to form a new sedimentary rock.
4. **Compaction and Cementation:** Through compaction (squeezing together due to the weight of overlying sediments) and cementation (binding of sediments by minerals precipitating from groundwater), the sediments can become lithified to form a new sedimentary rock.
Therefore, for a sedimentary rock to change into another kind of sedimentary rock, the crucial steps involve weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation, rather than melting.
