2.5.6

The Rock Cycle

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The Rock Cycle

Rocks do not stay the same. They are constantly changing. But this may take millions of years.

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The rock cycle

  • There are lots of changes to rocks inside the Earth and on its surface.
  • These changes lead to the three main types of rock.
    • Sedimentary.
    • Igneous.
    • Metamorphic.
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Making sedimentary rock

  • Rocks that are exposed to the atmosphere are worn away into smaller pieces.
  • Weathered rock is then eroded or moved by rivers, wind or ice.
  • These smaller pieces of rock are then transported and deposited into the ocean.
    • Sedimentary rock is formed on the sea bed.
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Making metamorphic rocks

  • Sedimentary rocks are layered on top of each other.
    • Under intense heat and pressure these sedimentary rocks form metamorphic rocks.
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Making igneous rocks

  • Sedimentary or metamorphic rocks are heated by the Earth’s core until they melt.
  • We call this liquid rock magma and it can be found in the mantle.
  • When this liquid rock cools, it forms igneous rock.
    • This can happen on the Earth’s surface after a volcanic eruption pushes the magma out.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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