The formation, weathering, sedimentation, and reformation of rock constitute
a continuing "rock cycle" in which the total amount of material stays the
same as its forms change.
| NSES Content Standard D
Earth and Space Science: Structure of the Earth system Grades 5-8, page 160 Some changes in the solid earth can be described as the "rock cycle." Old rocks at the earth's surface weather, forming sediments that are buried, then compacted, heated, and often recrystallized into new rock. Eventually, these new rocks may be brought to the surface by the forces that drive plate motions, and the rock cycle continues. |