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The Rock Cycle is a group of changes. Igneous rock can change into sedimentary rock or into metamorphic rock. Sedimentary rock can change into metamorphic rock or into igneous rock. Metamorphic rock can change into igneous or sedimentary rock.

Igneous rock forms when magma cools and makes crystals. Magma is a hot liquid made of melted minerals. The minerals can form crystals when they cool. Igneous rock can form underground, where the magma cools slowly. Or, igneous rock can form above ground, where the magma cools quickly.

When it pours out on Earth's surface, magma is called lava. Yes, the same liquid rock matter that you see coming out of volcanoes.

On Earth's surface, wind and water can break rock into pieces. They can also carry rock pieces to another place. Usually, the rock pieces, called sediments, drop from the wind or water to make a layer. The layer can be buried under other layers of sediments. After a long time the sediments can be cemented together to make sedimentary rock. In this way, igneous rock can become sedimentary rock.

All rock can be heated. But where does the heat come from? Inside Earth there is heat from pressure (push your hands together very hard and feel the heat). There is heat from friction (rub your hands together and feel the heat). There is also heat from radioactive decay (the process that gives us nuclear power plants that make electricity).

So, what does the heat do to the rock? It bakes the rock.

Baked rock does not melt, but it does change. It forms crystals. If it has crystals already, it forms larger crystals. Because this rock changes, it is called metamorphic. Remember that a caterpillar changes to become a butterfly. That change is called metamorphosis. Metamorphosis can occur in rock when they are heated to 300 to 700 degrees Celsius.

When Earth's tectonic plates move around, they produce heat. When they collide, they build mountains and metamorphose (met-ah-MORE-foes) the rock.

The rock cycle continues. Mountains made of metamorphic rocks can be broken up and washed away by streams. New sediments from these mountains can make new sedimentary rock.

The rock cycle never stops.

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Why does the uniformitarian rock cycle appear to mot be a true cycle?

The uniformitarian rock cycle appears to not be a true cycle because in reality, not all rocks go through every stage of the cycle continuously and in the same order. The rock cycle is a simplified model to show the various processes that can transform rocks over time, but in nature, rocks may skip certain stages or go through them multiple times due to complex geological processes and conditions.


What are the steps of the rock cycle if it starts with Sedimentary rock is pulled into Earth's interior by tectonic forces?

If sedimentary rock is pulled into Earth's interior by tectonic forces, it will undergo heat and pressure, transforming into metamorphic rock. Further movement and heating could melt the metamorphic rock, turning it into magma. The magma can then cool and solidify to form igneous rock, completing the rock cycle.


Which type of rock likely formed first to initiate the rock cycle?

The type of rock that likely formed first to initiate the rock cycle is igneous rock.


What two processes labeled in the rock cycle must occur in order to change any rock into an igneous rocks?

The two processes in the rock cycle that must occur in order to change any rock into an igneous rock are melting (to form magma) and solidification (to form igneous rock). Melting of existing rocks due to high temperatures or pressure creates molten magma, which can then cool and solidify to form new igneous rocks.


What happens to any rock in the rock cycle to form sedimentary rock?

In order to become a sedimentary rock a rock must be broken down or eroded by weathering. The sediments of the rock then go through the lithification process where they are cemented and compacted together forming a sedimentary rock.

Related Questions

How is the wed cycle related to the rock cycle?

by steps


How many ways are in the rock cycle?

There are seven steps in the rock cycle.


What kind of the steps of the rock cycle involve heat?

Orogenesis and Metamorphism.


Why don't the steps in a cycle always happen in the same order?

The steps in a cycle may not always happen in the same order due to variations in external factors or inputs that can alter the sequence of events. Additionally, feedback loops within the cycle can cause changes to the order of steps as the system adapts to different conditions. Flexibility in the cycle allows for adaptation and response to changing environments.


Do all rocks follow the same set of steps through the rock cycle?

yes i think so


Why is the rock cycle called the ''cycle''?

Its called a cycle because it has to go through steps to form the rocks or minerals. Just like a water cycle is called a water cycle because it also has to go through different stages or steps. Another reason why is because it doesn't have an end, it just keeps going round and round. They all need each other to create the other.because it just keeps on going and it doesent have a beginning it can start with any rock igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. the rock cycle is for example an igneous can turn into a metamorphic and that rock can turn into sedimentary and then that rock turns into any of the 3 but itself of course.


What is the order sedimentry rocks go through?

i mean in the rock cycle


Why do you need to know the steps in cycle menu?

Cycle menus are a specific meal plan for schools that ranges from 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to know the steps of this cycle in order to provide the most nutrition to students while keeping the cycle within budget.


What ar the steps of the water cycle in order?

step 1 :evaporation step 2


Does the rock cycle have to start from the sedimentary rock?

No, the rock cycle does not have to start from the sedimentary rock


What does the rock cycle and water cycle have in common?

The rock cycle and water cycle both are natural.


What is the rock cycle including descriptions of how one type of rock can change into another type?

It is called the Rock Cycle.