THE

ROCK M E TA M O R P H I C .
CYCLE
I G N E O U S . S E D I M E N T A R Y.
W H AT I S A R O C K ?

V I S U A L I Z I N G T H E R O C K C Y C L E
ROCKS
• A rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of
one or more minerals, fossils, mineraloids, or
sediments
• Nature and appearance of a rock is strongly
influenced by the minerals that composed it.
• A rock’s mineral composition and texture are a
reflection of the geologic process that created it.
ROCKS
• Three major groups: igneous, sedimentary, and
metamorphic
• The rock cycle shows the interrelationships among
different parts of the Earth system.
 • Magma - molten material
that forms inside the
Earth.
• In the event of
crystallization (Magma
cools and solidifies), the
resulting rocks are called
igneous rocls

THE BASIC CYCLE

 • Igneous Rocks exposure
to the surface may
undergo weathering
• Particles and dissolved
substances, called
sediments, are
deposited.

THE BASIC CYCLE

 • Sediments undergo
lithification
• Lithiefied into
Sedimentary Rocks

THE BASIC CYCLE

 • Sedimentary Rocks will
be subjected into high
temperate and pressure
• Metamorphic Rocks

THE BASIC CYCLE

ALTERNATIVE
• The paths shown are not the only ones that are possible.
• Igneous rocks can be remain deeply buried.
• Subjected to the strong compressional forces and high
temperatures associated with mountain building
• Formed directly into metamorphic rocks

ALTERNATIVE
ALTERNATIVE
• Metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
• Overlaying layers may be stripped away, exposing the
once buried rock.
• Attacked by weathering processes and turned into
new raw materials for sedimentary rocks.

ALTERNATIVE
ALTERNATIVE
• Processes driven by heat from Earth’s interior are
responsible for forming igneous and metamorphic rocks
• Weathering and the movement of weathered material are
external processes powered by energy from the SUN
• External processes produce sedimentary rocks.

ALTERNATIVE