2. Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering
describes the process of
chemicals in rainwater making
changes to the minerals in a
rock. Carbon dioxide from the
air is dissolved in rainwater,
making it slightly acidic. A
reaction can occur when the
rainwater comes into contact
with minerals in the rock,
causing weathering
3. Physical weathering is the
breaking of rocks into
smaller pieces. This can
happen through exfoliation,
freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion,
root expansion, and wet-dry
cycles. Exfoliation: When
temperature of rocks rapidly
changes that can expand or
crack rocks.
Physical Weathering
4. Through heat and pressure, the Igneous Rock becomes a Metamorphic Rock.
Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected
to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids
or, more commonly, some combination of these
factors.
How does Igneous Rock become a
Metamorphic Rock?
5. On the surface, weathering and erosion
break down the igneous rock into pebbles,
sand, and mud, creating sediment, which
accumulates in basins on the Earth's
surface. As successive layers of sediment
settle on top of one another, the sediment
near the bottom is compressed, hardens,
and forms sedimentary rock.
How does Igneous Rock become a
Sedimentary Rock?
6. At the surface, metamorphic rocks will be exposed to weathering
processes and may break down into sediment. These sediments
could then be compressed to form sedimentary rocks, which would
start the entire cycle anew.
How does Metamorphic Rock become a
Sedimentary Rock?
7. How does Metamorphic Rock become a
Igneous Rock?
If the newly formed
metamorphic rock continues to
heat, it can eventually melt and
become magma. When the
molten rock cools it forms an
igneous rock.
8. How does Sedimentary Rock become a
Igneous Rock?
If a sedimentary rock is
subjected to intense heat
it will melt. Once it rises
up and cools down, it will
form an igneous rock.
9. How does Sedimentary Rock become a
Metamorphic Rock?
Sedimentary rock may be
broken down into sediment
once again by weathering and
erosion. It may also form
another type of rock. If it
becomes buried deep enough
within the crust to be
subjected to increased
temperature and pressure.