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) The Rock Cycle
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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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