6.3 B Notes Rock Cycle
One scientist is credited for creating the rock cycle.
James Hutton
He was a farmer, medical doctor, & lawyer who was credited for
the rock cycle idea.
Rock Cycle
Igneous rock production
• Melting
• Cooling
Rock Cycle
Sedimentary rock production
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Uplift
Erosion
Transportation
Deposition
Lithification
Rock Cycle
Metamorphic Rock Production
• Heat
• Pressure
• Chemically active fluids
Rock Cycle
Main forces behind the Rock Cycle
Gravity
Gravity helps drive erosion and causes rock layers on top to
push down on lower layers.
Rock Cycle
Main forces behind the Rock Cycle
Water
Water is crucial for weathering & erosion. It can dissolve
minerals & rocks, carry huge sediment loads, & deposit
loads into high-pressure areas.
Rock Cycle
Main forces behind the Rock Cycle
Plate Tectonics
Pressure & heat created along plate boundaries can melt
rock, change chemical bonds, or lift rock & expose It to
erosion.