1. Igneous rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).
2. Sedimentary rocks: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments (rock fragments, mineral grains, and organic matter).
3. Metamorphic rocks: Formed from the transformation of existing igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks under intense heat and pressure.
The rock cycle is a continuous loop where:
* Igneous rocks can be weathered and eroded to form sediments, which then become sedimentary rocks.
* Sedimentary and igneous rocks can be buried deep within the Earth, where heat and pressure transform them into metamorphic rocks.
* Metamorphic rocks can melt and solidify to form igneous rocks, or can be uplifted and exposed to weathering and erosion, starting the cycle again.
So, there's not a separation into "three types of rock cycles," but rather one interconnected cycle where all three rock types constantly transform into each other.