The document explains the rock cycle, detailing geological processes that transform rocks among three classifications: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. It covers key processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, melting, cooling, solidification, and metamorphism. Additionally, it provides descriptions and examples of each type of rock and their formation processes.

1. The Rock Cycle
Amy de Jong

2. Objectives:
• List different types of
geological processes
• Name the three
classifications of rock
• Explain the Rock
Cycle

3. What is
The
Rock
Cycle?

4. Let’s
Break it
Down!
What is a rock?
• A rock is a solid mixture of one
or more minerals.
What is a Cycle?
• A cycle is a series of changes
Let’s put it together!
• The rock cycle is the geological
forces and processes that
cause rocks to change from
one type to another and back
again.

5. But What are these forces and
Processes?
Rock Cycle Processes
include:
• Weathering and Erosion
• Deposition
• Compaction and
Cementation
•Melting
•Cooling
•Solidification
•Metamorphism

6. What is
Weathering and
Erosion?
Weathering
• the breaking down of rocks and
minerals into sediment due to
the weather.
Erosion
• the transportation of sediment
by natural forces such as wind

7. What is
Deposition?
Sediments are
deposited into the sea
or lake via wind,
gravity, or running
water where they sink
to the floor and begin
to form layers.

8. What is
Compaction
and
Cementation
Compaction
• Layer upon layer of sediment building up and
placing pressure on lower layers till all air and
water is pushed out.
Cementation
• The gluing of sediment together by means of
minerals that form a natural glue

9. What is Melting,
Cooling and
Solidification?
At the bottom of the
earths crust, old rock is
melted by the heat of
the mantle, forming
magma. When magma
makes its way to the
surface via a volcano, it
is known as lava and

10. Metamorphism
?
• The changing of a rock into new
rock forms due to an increase in
temperature or pressure as well
as natural folding and faulting
from tectonic movement.

11. What do
these
different
processe
s create?

12. the 3 Classification of rocks:
Igneous Sedime
ntary
Metam
orphic
Grani
te
Sand
stone
Marbl
e

13. Igneous
Rock
“Igneous means to be made
from fire and heat.”
These rocks can form above
ground or form below the
surface.
• Extrusive igneous rock - Above
• Intrusive igneous rock - Below
Formed from
magma in the
molten layer the of
Earth’s mantle.

14. Extrusive vs
Intrusive
• Extrusive Igneous Rock
forms when lava on the
earths surface, cools
quickly, not allowing
enough time for crystals to
form.
• Intrusive Igneous Rock
forms when magma cools
slowly below the surface,
allowing minerals to collect
and form large crystals.
Diorite
(Intrusive)
Obsidian
(Extrusive)

15. Sedimenta
ry Rock
Rock
There are three category of
Sedimentary rock:
• Clastic rock – formed from
broken fragments of pre-
existing rock.
• Organic rock – formed from
plant and animal remains
• Chemical rock – formed from
minerals that solidify from
water
Formed from
sediments such as
sand, pebbles, shells
and remains of plants
and animals. They
harden due to the

16. Limestone –
formed from shells
and sea plants and
animals. Only
occurs underwater.
Shale – formed
from mud, fine silt
or clay. Also called
Mudstone
Conglomerate –
formed from
pebbles and
smooth round
stones
Chemica
l rock
Clastic
rock
Coal – formed from
decaying plant
matter.
Organic
rock

17. Metamorph
ic Rock
“Metamorphic means to have
been changed”.
There are two types of
Metamorphic Rock:
• Foliated (Banded Layers)
• Non – Foliated (Crystals)
Metamorphic rocks
are igneous or
sedimentary rocks
changed by extreme
heat and pressure.

18. Examples of Metamorphic Rock
Limeston
e
Marble
Sandsto
ne
Quartzite
Sch
ist
Sh
ale

20. Thank
you!

21. Resources:
A. DeWitt (Dec. 09, 2008) The Rock Cycle [PowerPoint] SlideShare
https://www.slideshare.net/guest74968e/the-rock-cycle-presentation-
834378
C. Reich Little(Sep. 25, 2017) Rockcycle 2017 [PowerPoint]
SlideShare https://www.slideshare.net/mariejajaroa/rock-cycle-
57878723
Mojavehack (Feb. 26, 2015) 5.0 Rocks and Rock Cycle [PowerPoint]
SlideShare https://www.slideshare.net/mojavehack/50-rocks-and-rock-
cycle
R. Brindley (Sep. 27, 2011) The Rock Cycle and Rocks [PowerPoint]
SlideShare https://www.slideshare.net/rebelbrindley/the-rock-cycle-