Mason's Rock Cycle prepares your child for success!
 | IntroductionWelcome to the Rock Cycle website! I am going to show you the different types of rocks and how they form! Just click on one of the tabs to learn more about that type of rock. |
Explanation of the Rock Cycle
The rock cycle is the natural process in which rocks transform from one rock type into another rock type over time, a type of natural recycling.
Igneous rocks, which are formed from magma cooling underground, or lava above ground are formed from previous igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks which have become melted, usually as a result of plate collision and subduction.
When these igneous rocks are exposed to weathering and erosion, they break down into smaller particles that are transported by wind and water to a place of deposition, where they can form into sedimentary rock strata, through a process of lithification, where excess water is squeezed out by extreme pressures and the particles are cemented together by various minerals precipitating out of solution. Igneous and metamorphic rocks can both be turned into sedimentary rocks in this way.
Igneous and sedimentary rocks can also be changed by heat and pressure into metamorphic rocks, by transforming their existing mineral structures into new minerals or realigning the existing minerals. There are different degrees of metamorphism, so even an existing metamorphic rock can become a different metamorphic rock.
If these metamorphic rocks are melted, then solidify, they become igneous rocks, and the cycle starts all over again.
Igneous rocks, which are formed from magma cooling underground, or lava above ground are formed from previous igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks which have become melted, usually as a result of plate collision and subduction.
When these igneous rocks are exposed to weathering and erosion, they break down into smaller particles that are transported by wind and water to a place of deposition, where they can form into sedimentary rock strata, through a process of lithification, where excess water is squeezed out by extreme pressures and the particles are cemented together by various minerals precipitating out of solution. Igneous and metamorphic rocks can both be turned into sedimentary rocks in this way.
Igneous and sedimentary rocks can also be changed by heat and pressure into metamorphic rocks, by transforming their existing mineral structures into new minerals or realigning the existing minerals. There are different degrees of metamorphism, so even an existing metamorphic rock can become a different metamorphic rock.
If these metamorphic rocks are melted, then solidify, they become igneous rocks, and the cycle starts all over again.
The rock cycle is largely driven by lithospheric plate movements which cause subduction and uplift, also by climatic conditions and the associated erosional elements
Check out the awesome video on the cycle
My Mission
I am here to educate other students about the Rock Cycle! Everything I know was taught to me Either by Google, or the Amazing Mr. Swafford. Please feel free to browse around this website, there are a lot of cool pictures and information about all kinds of rocks you might not have even known!
