Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks
The Rock Cycle Simulation
Name _______________________________________
Date ______
The animations show just one example of a rock moving through the rock cycle. The rock started as an
igneous rock. Think about what the path of the example rock would look like in this diagram of the rock
cycle.
1. Sketch this diagram on your answer sheet. Put the name of each process illustrated in the animation on
the appropriate arrow.
Keep in mind that the example on the previous page didn't show all the ways rocks move through the rock
cycle. For instance, igneous rocks can become metamorphic rocks without reaching Earth's surface or
becoming sedimentary rocks. Another variation from the example is that any type of rock can become a
new rock of the same type.
2. Use your own words to describe the sequence of processes that result in igneous rocks. Describe a
specific example of a sedimentary rock becoming an igneous rock.
3. Use your own words to describe the sequence of processes that result in sedimentary rocks. Describe a
specific example of a sedimentary rock becoming a new type of sedimentary rock.
4. Use your own words to describe the sequence of processes that result in metamorphic rocks. Describe a
specific example of a sedimentary rock becoming a metamorphic rock.