The Rock Cycle

The Rock Cycle Earth is a dynamic planet with the surface and interior in a constant state of flux. Internal changes alter the surface by moving the Earth’s plates, building mountains. Seas advance and retreat over the continents brining in new materials and taking other materials away. Rocks are continually being changed by Earth’s forces.

The Rock Cycle The Rock Cycle describes the continually changing structure of rocks. Igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock are just temporary stages in the continuing changes that all rocks undergo.

A schematic diagram of the rock cycle concept, which states that geologic processes act continuously to produce new rocks from old ones.

Making Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks are formed from magma. Magma cools and solidifies into igneous rock. metamorphic rock, if forced deeper into the Earth, can melt and become magma. If the magma cools and hardens it will form into igneous rock. Igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks can also be forced deep into the earth and melt into magma. Once magma cools it forms igneous rocks.

Making Sedimentary Rock When igneous or Metamorphic Rock are exposed on the surface, time and weather break the rock down into smaller and smaller pieces. This process is called weathering and erosion. Wind and water carry the smaller pieces of igneous rocks into piles called sediment beds. Over time the sediment beds get buried and the pieces of rock become cemented together to form a new type of rock called a sedimentary rock. If sedimentary rock is exposed at the surface, it can be eroded away and eventually changed back into new sedimentary rock.

Making Metamorphic Rock If sedimentary rock gets buried deep in the Earth, heat and pressure essentially bake the rock, changing it into something new. This process is called metamorphosis, and the new rock is called a metamorphic rock. Metamorphosis can happen to igneous rocks as well.

A schematic diagram of the rock cycle concept, which states that geologic processes act continuously to produce new rocks from old ones.

Website References http://kidsgeo.com/geology-for-kids/0025B-rock-cycle.php https://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/diagram.html

For Today… FINISH YOUR PROJECTS!! They are due at the END of class Tomorrow! Please ensure you have all of the following with TITLES/Name: Title Page KWL Sheet/Bill Nye Task 1: Earth’s Crust Task 2: Pangea Task 3: Map of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Mountains Task 4: Mountains Worksheet Task 5: Volcanoes Worksheet Task 6: What is soil? Task 7: What causes erosion? Task 8: Rocks vs Minerals Task 9: Types of Rocks Task 10: Rock Cycle If you finish up early you have the option of working on any other assignments or projects due for other classes or with me.