It's a continuous process where rocks are constantly being formed, broken down, and reformed. Here's a breakdown of the three main types of rock and how they are related:
* Igneous rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma (molten rock) or lava.
* Sedimentary rocks: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, which are fragments of other rocks, minerals, or organic matter.
* Metamorphic rocks: Formed when existing igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks are transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.
The rock cycle is a dynamic process that involves interactions between Earth's internal and external processes.