These weatherized rocks are part of the rock cycle.
Rocks are constantly changing, but in geologic time. The changing of rock is referred to as the rock cycle; according to Dr. Anne E. Egger, the process is the same now as it was millions of years ago.
Layers of Earth
Earth has three main layers. The top layer, or crust, of the Earth is just a thin shell that sits on top of the mantle. The mantle is a very thick, mostly solid layer of rock. Inside the mantle is the hot core, most of which is liquid rock.
Location
The rock cycle involves the movement and change of rock in the crust and between the crust and the mantle.
Mantle to Crust
Molten rock in the mantle is pushed up through the crust and cools into igneous rock.
Crust to Mantle
When plates on the surface of the earth collide, rocks are put under high pressure. This pressure can lead some rocks to change into metamorphic rock--rock that is heated, but not enough to melt. Other rocks are melted as they move into the mantle by subduction.
On the Crust
On the surface of the Earth, both igneous rock and metamorphic rock face running water and wind, which slowly wear them into sedimentary rock.
Tags: igneous rock, Layers Earth, rock cycle