The Rock Cycle Basics
Ever wonder how rocks form and change? The rock cycle is like a never-ending story where rocks transform from one type to another. This continuous process happens both on Earth's surface and deep underground.
The cycle begins with igneous rocks, which form when hot, melted rock called magma or lava cools down and hardens. Think of rocks like granite and basalt - they started as super hot liquid rock!
Over time, wind, rain, and ice break down rocks into tiny particles called sediments. These sediments pile up in layers and eventually get squished together to form sedimentary rocks like sandstone and limestone.
Fun Fact: Some sedimentary rocks contain fossils that help scientists understand what life was like millions of years ago!
Deep underground, intense heat and pressure can transform any rock type into metamorphic rocks. For example, limestone changes into marble, and shale becomes slate. These rocks look completely different from what they started as!