1. Weathering: This is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces through physical (such as freezing and thawing) and chemical (such as acid rain) processes. This can occur on the Earth's surface or underground.
2. Erosion: Once rocks have been weathered, they can be transported by various agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. This process moves the broken down rock particles to new locations.
3. Deposition: As the eroded rock particles are transported, they eventually settle in a new location. This can happen in bodies of water, on land, or even underground. Over time, these deposited particles can accumulate and form sedimentary rocks.
4. Compaction: As layers of sediment accumulate on top of each other, the weight of the overlying layers compresses the sediment below. This pressure causes the sediment to compact and solidify into sedimentary rocks.
5. Metamorphism: If rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth's crust, they can undergo metamorphism. This process changes the mineral composition and texture of the rocks, forming metamorphic rocks.
6. Melting: If rocks are subjected to extreme temperatures, they can melt and form magma. This molten rock can then cool and solidify to form igneous rocks. These rocks can then be weathered and eroded, starting the cycle over again.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 5, 2024
Six Processes Involved in the Rock Cycle:
1. Weathering: The breaking down of rocks at or near the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, or biological agents. 2. Erosion: The transportation of weathered rock fragments by agents such as water, wind, or ice. 3. Deposition: The accumulation of eroded rock fragments to form new sedimentary rocks. 4. Compaction and Cementation: The squeezing together and bonding of deposited sediment grains over time, forming sedimentary rocks like sandstone and limestone. 5. Metamorphism: The transformation of existing rocks into new ones under conditions of high temperature, pressure, or chemical alteration. This can produce rocks such as marble, slate, or gneiss. 6. Melting and Igneous Intrusion/Extrusion: The heating of rocks to the point of melting, which can lead to the formation of magma (molten rock) inside the Earth (intrusive) or lava (molten rock) on the surface (extrusive). When cooled and solidified, magma and lava form igneous rocks like granite and basalt.