The Rock Cycle

The Rock Cycle The Rock Cycle is a group of changes. Igneous rock can change into

sedimentary rock or into metamorphic rock. Sedimentary rock can change

into metamorphic rock or into igneous rock. Metamorphic rock can

change into igneous or sedimentary rock.

Igneous rock forms when magma cools and makes crystals. Magma is a hot

liquid made of melted minerals. The minerals can form crystals when

they cool. Igneous rock can form underground, where the magma cools

slowly. Or, igneous rock can form above ground, where the magma cools

quickly.

Image displaying the Rock Cycle. Please have someone assist you with this.

When it pours out on Earth's surface, magma is called lava. Yes, the

same liquid rock matter that you see coming out of volcanoes.

On Earth's surface, wind and water can break rock into pieces. They

can also carry rock pieces to another place. Usually, the rock pieces,

called sediments, drop from the wind or water to make a layer. The

layer can be buried under other layers of sediments. After a long time

the sediments can be cemented together to make sedimentary rock. In

this way, igneous rock can become sedimentary rock.

All rock can be heated. But where does the heat come from? Inside

Earth there is heat from pressure (push your hands together very hard

and feel the heat). There is heat from friction (rub your hands

together and feel the heat). There is also heat from radioactive decay

(the process that gives us nuclear power plants that make