How is the rock cycle related to plate tectonics?

Question

Leo Arens · Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics can be considered to drive the rock cycle.

Igneous rocks are formed largely because of plate movements. Basalt an igneous rock flows to the surface at divergent boundaries such as mid ocean ridges, and cracks in the earth caused by plate movements. Granites and lava are emitted from volcanos usually form by the movement of plates at convergent boundaries. Igneous rocks are the basis of the rock cycle. Metamorphic rocks are caused by heat and pressure. At subduction zones crustal material is forced downward where heat and pressure can produce Metamorphic rocks Sedimentary rocks are caused by erosion of the Igneous and Metamorphic rocks, not plate tectonics. However most Ocean sedimentary rocks layers are destroyed at convergent plate boundaries called subduction zones.

Jonathan Avila · Answer

undefined The rock cycle is closely related to plate tectonics because plate movement plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's crust, which in turn influences the formation, transformation, and destruction of rocks through processes like subduction, volcanic activity, and mountain building.