The Rock Cycle
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
The Rock Cycle
Rock – a naturally formed solid that is usually made up
of one or more types of minerals
Rock Cycle – the set of natural processes that form,
change, break down, and reform rocks.
3 Rock Types Review
Igneous Rock – forms when molten rock cools
and becomes solid. This can happen within
earth or on the surface
Sedimentary Rock – forms when pieces of older
rocks, plants, and other materials get pressed
and cemented together
Metamorphic Rocks – forms when heat and
pressure causes older rocks to change into new
types of rocks. These are formed deep under
the earth.
Describing the Rock Cycle
A rock’s cycle begins by becoming one
of the three types of rocks.
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If it begins as igneous, it can be changed with heat
and pressure to become a metamorphic rock or it
can reach the surface, be broken down and turn into
a sedimentary rock.
Describing the Rock Cycle
 If the rock begins as sedimentary, then it can be
changed by heat and pressure into a metamorphic
rock or it can be broken down into sediment.
Describe the Rock Cycle
 If the rock begins as a metamorphic rock then it can
be turned into magma which eventually becomes an
igneous rock or it can be brought up to the surface of
earth and broken down into sediment to become a
sedimentary rock.
Rock Cycle Vocabulary
 Erosion – the movement of rock pieces from one place
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to another by wind, water, or ice
Weathering – the breaking down of rocks by wind,
water, ice, or plant roots
Heat – high temperatures
Pressure – caused by layering or weight
Melting – occurs due to magma
Deposition – when rocks are moved to a new location
due to erosion
The Rock Cycle
Rock Cycle Questions
What are the 3 types of rocks?
Why is the set of natural processes by which
rocks change into other types of rocks called a
cycle?
3. If a rock began as a metamorphic rock, what
could happen to it?
4. Draw a diagram showing how an igneous rock
could change into a metamorphic rock and how
the metamorphic rock could change into a
sedimentary rock.
1.
2.