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.
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Benchmark 4C The Physical Setting: Processes
that Shape the Earth
Grades 6-8, page 73
Sedimentary rock buried deep enough may be reformed by pressure and
heat, perhaps melting and recrystallizing into different kinds of rock.
These re-formed rock layers may be forced up again to become land surface
and even mountains. Subsequently, this new rock too will erode. Rock bears
evidence of the minerals, temperatures, and forces that created it.
Benchmark 4C The Physical Setting: Processes
that Shape the Earth
Grades 9-12, page 74
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.