Rock Cycle — Diagram and Explanation

Rock Cycle — Diagram and Explanation

What is a Rock Cycle Diagram?

Rock Cycle Diagram

Rock Cycle Diagram is the one that explains the processes through which the types of rocks namely — Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic undergo transformation in Geologic times. Rocks of any type can be converted into any other type, or into another rock of the same type. Whenever the state of equilibrium of a particular rock type is disturbed, the rock undergoes a transformation e.g. when an Igneous rock like Basalt or Obsidian is subjected to weathering, it may break up into fragments. Due to Compressional forces it may get transformed into a Sedimentary rock like SandStone. A rock cycle diagram explains how the three rock types are related to each other, and how the forces of nature compel them to change from one type to another over time.

But before we learn details of the rock cycle diagram, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the nature of the three types of rocks namely — Igneous, Sedimentary and metamorphic.

What are the 7 steps of the rock cycle?

A rock cycle works due to the combined effects of exogenic and endogenic forces. Exogenic forces are the ones that occur outside the earth. While endogenic forces occur inside the earth. Both these forces are constantly at work resulting in the transformation of rocks from one form to the other as shown in the rock cycle diagram. As nothing lasts forever in nature, of which the entire universe is also a part, the same rule also applies to the rocks as well. The transformation of rocks happens in a period of hundreds and thousands of years. As far as steps of the rock cycle are concerned, there is no fixed pattern. While looking at the rock cycle, it can start from any given point. Broadly the steps if we start from within the earth can be seen as :

• Melting
• Solidification
• Upliftment
• Weathering
• Erosion and transportation
• Deposition and sedimentation
• Burial and compaction

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