Rock Cycle Review

The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes the transformation of rocks through various geological processes, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic formations.

The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles, often in layers.

Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that have been changed by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

An igneous rock forms when magma cools and solidifies either beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments or sediments through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Erosion is the process by which weathered rock and soil are moved from one location to another, often by water, wind, or ice.

Deposition is the process where sediments are laid down in new locations, often forming sedimentary layers.

Compaction and cementation are processes that turn loose sediments into solid sedimentary rock by squeezing them together and binding them with minerals.