The diagram illustrates the various processes involved in the rock cycle, detailing the formation and destruction of three primary rock types: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.
Overall, the rock cycle is characterized by a continuous series of transformations, where each rock type can be further modified through various geological processes.
The initiation of this cycle unfolds when rocks are eroded and transformed into sand and stones. Subsequently, these sand and stones then move from the mountain to the bottom of the sea, where they form a layer of sediment. Over time, once this layer builds up more on top, it turns into sedimentary rock. In the following phase, sedimentary rock undergoes high pressure and temperature before converting into metamorphic rock.
After forming, metamorphic rock may slowly rise to the Earth’s surface and the process of erosion and sedimentation starts over. On the other hand, the metamorphic rock also may go deeper into the earth until it melts, becoming magma. At the next phase of the process, the temperature of a large amount of magma decreases quickly, turning that magma into igneous rock. Meanwhile, a small amount of magma becomes lava, erupting through a volcano. After quick cooling, lava transforms into igneous rock and the process of erosion repeats.