Rock Cycle

The rock cycle is a crucial principle in geology that describes the dynamic transitions of the three main rock types (sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks) in the Earth through geologic time. Each of the rock types is altered or destroyed when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions. All rocks may break down and dissolve when exposed to the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere on the Earth’s surface, metamorphosed and/or melt as it is subducted under a continent or being in a contact with magma. Plate tectonic movement and the water cycle is responsible for the recycling of rock materials in the Earth’s crust and upper mantel and is the driving force of the rock cycle.