A basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. No rock is permanent; heat, pressure, melting and weathering recycle each type into the others over deep time. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
TimescaleGeologic time, millions of years per full cycle 1 Driving ForceJointly driven by the Earth's internal heat, which powers melting and metamorphism, and by solar energy, which powers the weathering and erosion that produce sediment. 1 Resulting FeatureContinuously transforms rock among the igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic families as material melts, weathers, is buried and recrystallizes. 1 SignificanceThe rock cycle is the organizing concept that links every major rock-forming process into a single continuous system operating over geologic time. 1 Driving Force
Driving Force (category) Driving Force (category) Timescale
Timescale (category) Connections
In Discipline
Source Plate Tectonics (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Rock Cycle (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction, opening sentenceQuote, Introduction, opening sentence
The rock cycle is a basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.
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