The Rock Cycle
A Cycle of Many Pathways
KEY CONCEPT: Forces deep inside the Earth and
at the surface produce a slow cycle that builds,
destroys, and changes rocks in the crust.
◊ Igneous rock is turned into sediment by erosion. The
sediment is deposited and slowly becomes
sedimentary rock.
◊ The sedimentary rock is buried by more sediment
and heat and pressure cause it to change into
metamorphic rock.
◊ Metamorphic rock is forced into the mantle and melts
forming magma. Magma erupts and cools to form
igneous rock again.
How Does it Work?
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