What DOES change rocks:
* Weathering: This is the breakdown of rocks by wind, rain, ice, temperature changes, and chemical reactions.
* Erosion: This is the movement of weathered rock fragments by wind, water, or ice.
* Plate tectonics: The movement of Earth's tectonic plates causes mountains to form, volcanoes to erupt, and earthquakes to occur, all of which can change rocks dramatically.
* Biological processes: Plants, animals, and microorganisms can break down rocks and contribute to soil formation.
* Human activity: Mining, construction, and other activities can alter the landscape and change the nature of rocks.
So, the question is more about what *doesn't* change rocks *quickly* or *significantly*.
Things that change rocks *slowly*:
* Radioactive decay: This process is extremely slow, but it can change the composition of rocks over millions of years.
* Meteorite impacts: While these are rare, they can have dramatic effects on the local geology.
Things that are unlikely to change rocks significantly:
* Light and heat: While these can cause some weathering, they are generally not powerful enough to significantly alter rocks on their own.
* Gravity: Gravity pulls rocks down, but it doesn't change their composition.
In summary, saying something can't change rocks is a bit too absolute. It's more about how quickly or drastically those changes occur. Earth is a dynamic system, and rocks are constantly being transformed.
