Parent rock is not a specific layer in the Earth's crust. The term "parent rock" refers to the original rock from which another rock is derived.
Here's a breakdown:
- Weathering and Erosion: Parent rock undergoes weathering and erosion, breaking down into smaller pieces.
- Transportation: These pieces are transported by wind, water, or ice.
- Deposition: Eventually, these pieces are deposited in a new location.
- Formation of New Rock: Over time, these deposited pieces can be compacted and cemented together, forming a new rock.
The new rock is called the daughter rock, and the original rock is the parent rock.
Examples:
- Sandstone: Formed from the weathering and erosion of granite (parent rock).
- Clay: Formed from the weathering and erosion of feldspar (parent rock).
- Limestone: Formed from the accumulation of marine organisms' shells (parent rock).
The parent rock can be any type of rock, including igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.
