Any study of geology should include a thorough understanding of the rock cycle. The rock cycle is one of the most fundamentally important geological processes, and it shapes the landscape and rock formations in many ways. Every type of rock is at some point within the rock cycle.
Rock Types
The three main types of rock are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. The rock cycle deals with the ways in which these types of rock change form and move through the various stages of formation. The type of rock found in various areas can tell researchers what kinds of fossils or geologic evidence can be studied as a result of the effects of the rock cycle.
The Rock Cycle
Igneous rocks form as a result of volcanic activity. Melted metamorphic rock in the form of magma is expelled into the air as lava, where it cools and hardens into igneous rocks, which are generally porous and erode easily.
Sedimentary rocks form as particles of sediment from eroded igneous rocks, silt and other types of sediment. Pressure holds the particles together and they form such rocks as sandstone. As sedimentary rock undergoes more pressure, it begins to transform into metamorphic rock.
Metamorphic rock forms from sedimentary rock, and sometimes igneous rock, that undergoes immense pressure and heat beneath the surface of the earth. The intense heat and pressure found beneath the Earth's surface cause the molecular structure of rocks to change.
Significance
The rock cycle is an immensely important geological function. The topography of all areas of the world is shaped by the stage of the rock cycle the ground is in; many islands are covered by igneous rock as a result of volcanic activity, whereas sedimentary and metamorphic rock are commonly found on larger landmasses.
Time Frame
The rock cycle is a way for the earth to maintain the shifting systems of geologic activity. The constant recycling of material means that topography will always be in a state of flux, although the time frame in which these changes occur is imperceptible to casual observation; the study of geology is often a study of millennial time as opposed to changes that happen rapidly.
Considerations
The type of rock available can affect the building materials, fossil record and lifestyles of the organisms that live on or near them, and the continuously changing rock cycle is a constant source of study for geologists. When studying geology, it is important to be mindful of the stages of the rock cycle and how they can affect studies of the various areas.
Tags: rock cycle, metamorphic rock, type rock, cycle Rock, igneous rock
