What is the rock cycle?

Question

Emilia Alcaraz · Accepted Answer

It is the transformation of rocks into soil and vice versa.

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.

In a simple way we can say that,

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.

Samuel Albin · Answer

undefined The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes how rocks are formed, transformed, and recycled over time on Earth's surface and in its interior. It involves three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and lithification of sediments, such as sand, silt, and clay. Metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemical processes. The rock cycle encompasses various geological processes, including weathering, erosion, deposition, melting, crystallization, and metamorphism, which continuously transform rocks from one type to another.