The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle is a series of processes in which a rock forms, changes from one type to another, is destroyed, and forms again by geological processes. The rock cycle "cycles" between the three main rock types, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are rocks who's structure , texture, or composition has been changed. These rocks are formed and changed due to heat and pressure. The rock gets heated but doesn't completely melt. This type of rock shows the Earth's movement throughout time.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rock forms when sediments are compacted and cemented together. These type of rocks can sometimes contain fossils, and have layers called strata. There are three types of sedimentary rock clastic, chemical and organic/biochemical.

Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling of magma or lava. There are two types of igneous rocks, intrusive and extrusive. Intrusive igneous rock is formed by the cooling and solidifying of magma, below Earth's surface. Extrusive igneous rocks are formed when lava cools and solidifies at or near Earth's surface. Rapidly cooled rock is fined grained and slowly cooled rock is coarse grained.