6.3 B Notes Rock Cycle

One scientist is credited for creating the rock cycle.

James Hutton

He was a farmer, medical doctor, & lawyer who was credited for the rock cycle idea.

Rock Cycle

Igneous rock production

• Melting• Cooling

Rock Cycle

Sedimentary rock production

• Uplift• Erosion• Transportation• Deposition• Lithification

Rock Cycle

Metamorphic Rock Production

• Heat• Pressure• Chemically active fluids

Rock Cycle

Main forces behind the Rock Cycle

Gravity

Gravity helps drive erosion and causes rock layers on top to push down on lower layers.

Rock Cycle

Main forces behind the Rock Cycle

Water

Water is crucial for weathering & erosion. It can dissolve minerals & rocks, carry huge sediment loads, & deposit loads into high-pressure areas.

Rock Cycle

Main forces behind the Rock CyclePlate Tectonics

Pressure & heat created along plate boundaries can melt rock, change chemical bonds, or lift rock & expose It to erosion.