The Rock Cycle

THE ROCK CYCLE
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There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Each of these types of rocks are formed in different ways and each type of rock can be changed into the other types of rock. This process is called the Rock Cycle.
The rock cycle is the process that makes and recycles rocks.

IGNEOUS ROCKS
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Igneous rocks are formed from magma.
Magma cools and solidifies into rock.
When igneous rocks are exposed on the surface, time and weather break the rock down into smaller and smaller pieces.
This process is called weathering and erosion.
Wind and water carry the smaller pieces of igneous rocks into piles called sediment beds.
Over time the sediment beds get buried and the pieces of rock become cemented together to form a new type of rock called a sedimentary rock.

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
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If the sedimentary rock is exposed at the surface, it can be eroded away and eventually changed into new sedimentary rock.
● However, if the sedimentary rock gets buried deep in the Earth, heat and pressure essentially bake the rock, changing it into something new.
● This process is called metamorphosis, and the new rock is called a metamorphic rock.
● Metamorphosis can happen to igneous rocks as well.

METAMORPHIC ROCKS
● Metamorphic rocks can also be weathered and eroded and eventually changed into sedimentary rocks.
● Or, if metamorphic rock is forced deeper into the Earth, the rock can melt and become magma.
● If the magma cools and hardens it will form into igneous rock. ● Igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks can also be forced deep into the earth and melt into magma.
● Once magma cools it forms igneous rocks.