The Rock Cycle – Diagram and Explanation

Learn about the rock cycle in geology. Get a rock cycle diagram and an explanation of how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks change.

The Rock Cycle: Processes, Stages, and Real-World Examples

Beneath these endless transformations lies one of Earth’s most elegant systems — the rock cycle. This cycle describes how rocks continuously form, change, break down, and re-form through geological processes driven by heat, pressure, and erosion.

Rock Cycle – Definition, Steps, Importance, Diagram

The rock cycle is the process that describes the gradual transformation between the three main types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. It is occurring continuously in nature through geologic time.

The Rock Cycle - Education

The formation of clastic and organic rocks begins with the weathering, or breaking down, of the exposed rock into small fragments. Through the process of erosion, these fragments are removed from their source and transported by wind, water, ice, or biological activity to a new location.

The Rock Cycle | How Igneous, Sedimentary, & Metamorphic Rock Are ...

There are three types of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The first type—igneous—forms from magma. Magma rises to Earth's surface, such as through a volcanic eruption, where it cools and hardens into igneous rock.

Rock cycle - Wikipedia

Due to the driving forces of the rock cycle, plate tectonics and the water cycle, rocks do not remain in equilibrium and change as they encounter new environments. The rock cycle explains how the three rock types are related to each other, and how processes change from one type to another over time.

3.1 The Rock Cycle – Physical Geology - BCcampus Open Publishing

Referring to the rock cycle (Figure 3.2), list the steps that are necessary to cycle some geological material starting with a sedimentary rock, which then gets converted into a metamorphic rock, and eventually a new sedimentary rock.

Rocks and the Rock Cycle – A Brief Introduction to Geology and ...

Define what rock is. Describe and explain the formation of igneous rocks. Describe and explain the formation of sedimentary rocks. Describe and explain the formation of metamorphic rocks. Explain how the three classes of rock are interrelated through the rock cycle.

Understanding the Rock Cycle: Stages and Significance

Understanding the rock cycle becomes fundamental when diving into geological sciences. Each stage of this cycle heralds the birth, death, and rebirth of rock types, reflecting a dynamic Earth that is ever-changing.

The Rock Cycle – Introduction to Historical Geology

Summarize the main characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Describe the rock cycle and the types of processes that lead to the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Explain why there is an active rock cycle on Earth. Next: What Is A Rock?