Final answer:
The"3) Erosion" is NOT a direct cause of sedimentary deposits forming into rock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sedimentary rocks form through a series of processes, and understanding the factors that contribute to their formation is crucial. Erosion, unlike the other options, is not a direct cause of sedimentary deposits turning into rock. "3) Erosion" is a transportation process that involves the movement of sediments from one place to another, but it doesn't directly lead to the formation of rock.
Chemical cementation occurs when minerals precipitate from water and bind sediment particles together. Pressure and the weight of the overburden play essential roles in compaction, squeezing sediments together. Precipitation of materials from water is another critical step, as minerals dissolve in water and later solidify to form rock.
Erosion, on the other hand, is the physical wearing away and transportation of rock and soil by natural processes like wind, water, or ice. While erosion is part of the sedimentary rock cycle by moving sediments, it does not directly contribute to the formation of rock. Instead, it acts as a precursor by transporting sediments to new locations where subsequent processes, such as deposition and compaction, can take place to form sedimentary rocks.
Correct option is 3) Erosion