The Rock Cycle

What is a rock? A rock is a mixture of minerals, rock pieces, organic matter, etc.

What is the rock cycle? To show how rocks slowly change through time, scientists have created a model called the rock cycle. It illustrates the processes that create and change rocks.

Predicting the Rock Cycle

Beginning With Metamorphic Rock Metamorphic Rock (formed under great heat & pressure) Above the Ground Below the Ground May be melted to reform magma Rock may weather & erode; sediments form The magma may cool Sediments fall into layers Igneous Rock Sedimentary Rock

Beginning With Sedimentary Rock Sedimentary Rock (formed when layers of sediment are cemented together) Above the Ground Below the Ground Rock may weather & erode; sediments form May be melted to reform magma Sediments fall into layers The magma may cool Layers may be crushed together with heat & pressure Sedimentary Rock Igneous Rock Metamorphic Rock

Beginning With Igneous Rock Igneous Rock (formed when magma & lava cools & crystallizes) Above the Ground Below the Ground Rock may weather & erode; sediments form May be melted to reform magma Sediments fall into layers The magma may cool May be crushed together with heat & pressure Sedimentary Rock Igneous Rock Metamorphic Rock

Putting it all together……