What is the rock cycle?

The rock cycle is an interconnected system of processes that causes rocks to change over time.

Name three processes that are part of the rock cycle.

Melting, cooling, weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, and metamorphism.

Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces called sediments.

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments are compacted and cemented together.

Grade 4th Grade · Science · 45 min

I can describe how rocks change from one type to another in the rock cycle.

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel · 8:06

The Rock Cycle - How Rocks Change Over Time

3 key concepts

1
The rock cycle is an interconnected system of processes that causes rocks to change over time.
2
Weathering and erosion break down rocks into sediments, which can then undergo compaction and cementation to form sedimentary rocks.
3
Heat and pressure can cause igneous and sedimentary rocks to undergo metamorphism and become metamorphic rocks.

8 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Name three processes that can change a sedimentary rock into a metamorphic rock.”

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