Igneous to Sedimentary:
* Weathering and Erosion: Igneous rocks are exposed to the elements and break down into smaller pieces called sediments. This can happen through processes like freezing/thawing, wind abrasion, or chemical reactions.
* Transportation: Sediments are transported by wind, water, or ice to a new location.
* Deposition: Sediments settle and accumulate in layers.
* Compaction and Cementation: Over time, the weight of overlying sediments compresses the lower layers, squeezing out water and air. Minerals dissolved in the water precipitate and act as a "glue" cementing the sediments together, forming sedimentary rock.
Sedimentary to Metamorphic:
* Heat and Pressure: Sedimentary rocks are buried deep within the Earth's crust. The intense heat and pressure from the weight of overlying rocks cause changes in the mineral composition and texture of the rock.
* Recrystallization: Minerals in the sedimentary rock are rearranged and often grow larger.
Metamorphic to Igneous:
* Melting: Metamorphic rocks can melt under high temperatures deep within the Earth.
* Cooling and Crystallization: The molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies, forming igneous rocks.
Igneous to Metamorphic:
* Heat and Pressure: Igneous rocks can be buried deep within the Earth and experience the same changes as sedimentary rocks, transforming into metamorphic rocks.
Important Note: The rock cycle is not linear. Rocks can transition between any of the three types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. There are also "shortcuts" where rocks can change directly from one type to another, skipping a stage. For example, a sedimentary rock might be partially melted and then recrystallized, forming a metamorphic rock without fully becoming igneous.
