Band 6+: The diagram below illustrates the natural cycle of stone formation. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The illustration provides information about a stone formation cycle in nature.

Overall, the cycle contains two main stages, which divide into 8 steps. The process starts with subduction and melting, and it ends with accumulation of sediments on metamorphic rocks.

At the beginning, subduction and melting occur in regions, where pressure reaches 2400 atm, and temperature is 3200°C. Afterwards, by main drivers, such as internal heat and tectonic movements, magma forms under the ground. Once lava has formed, a volcanic eruption then occurs, generally, thrice in a year. Subsequently, erupted magma, as granitic layer, cools on a basaltic layer. While it has cooled, solidification then happens.

In the first 7 month, stones undergo a process of chemical and physical weathering – that is, breaking down of rocks into small pieces. After that, sediments of rocks transfer by influence of weather, especially river. Then, transferred sediments deposit on river turns. Finally, accumulated sediments cement above metamorphic rocks, which are created by impact of heat and pressure of rocks on it. Then, cycle begins again.