The illustration depicts the processes of rock creation and destruction. The cycle begins with magma transforming into rock and ends with metamorphic stone being converted back into magma. This transformation is achieved through a long and complex process that involves various types of rocks.
The process starts with magma moving into a volcano. Part of the magma erupts and becomes lava, which cools rapidly, while another part cools slowly beneath the surface, forming igneous rock. This igneous rock is then gradually raised to the surface. Simultaneously, other types of rocks, including metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, also emerge in order to form the earth’s surface.
The eruption of the volcano leads to erosion, which breaks down rocks into sand and smaller particles. Some of the materials from this erosion accumulate as sediment that settles on the ocean floor, ultimately forming sedimentary rock. Under specific conditions, such as high pressure and temperature, this sedimentary rock transforms into metamorphic rock. Finally, through the process of melting, metamorphic rock is converted back into magma, and the cycle begins anew.