The given diagram demonstrates the way rocks are formed and broken down in the rock cycle.
Overall, the cycle is circular and involves three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. This process is driven by some geological activities, including volcanic eruptions, erosion, and the application of high pressure and temperature deep underground.
The cycle can be traced to magma located deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Some magma erupts from a volcano and becomes lava, which cools quickly. Meanwhile, magma that remains underground cools slowly. Both these processes result in the formation of igneous rock. This rock then rises slowly to the surface and is subjected to weathering and erosion by rain, breaking it down into sand and stones. Afterwards, these particles are carried downhill to the sea, where they settle as sediment. Then, this sediment accumulates and transforms into sedimentary rock.
In the next stage, sedimentary rock either rises gradually to the Earth’s surface or undergoes high pressure and temperature to form metamorphic rock. This type of rock then may uplift slowly to the surface, similar to other types of rock; otherwise, it melts and is converted back into magma. This process then continues as a closed loop