The Rock Cycle
Lesson notes
Overview
Rocks continually change between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic forms. This topic is rated beginner and is number 5 of 98 in Earth & Space. Core ideas and first intuitions. No prior knowledge needed.
What you are seeing
The panel above shows the steps of a process, laid out in order. Click a step to see what happens next. The animation is drawn live from the model, so everything you see responds to the sliders. Press Space to pause, use Restart to replay from the start, and change the speed to slow down quick events.
In depth
The rock cycle describes how rocks change between three types over geological time. Magma cools to form igneous rock, weathering and erosion break rocks into sediments that are compacted and cemented into sedimentary rock, and heat and pressure transform any rock into metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rock may melt and start again. The cycle is driven by the Earth’s internal heat, plate tectonics and the water cycle, and there is no fixed order.
Reading the relationship
The expression "melt → cool → erode → bury" is a compact summary of the idea. It uses the symbols m, e, l, t, c, o; name what each one stands for before you start. Then use the sliders to see how changing one quantity changes the others.
A guided exploration
1. Run the animation once with the default settings and describe in words what happens. 2. Change one slider at a time and note which quantity responds most. 3. Push each slider to its extreme and decide whether the result still makes sense.
Try this
Start by only moving one slider at a time. Say aloud what you expect, then check.
Common pitfalls
Earth and space systems work on very different scales of time and distance. Check which scale a number refers to before comparing it with another.
How it connects
It builds on “Seafloor Spreading”, the topic before it in Earth & Space. Once you are comfortable, continue with “Earthquakes and Seismic Waves”.
Why it matters
Earth and space science helps us understand our planet, its climate and the wider universe.
Where you might use it
- Revising “The Rock Cycle” before a class, exam or certification
- Forecasting weather and understanding climate records and their uncertainty
- Planning for earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards in cities
- Interpreting satellite images, space missions and the age of rocks and stars
Frequently asked questions
What is The Rock Cycle?
Rocks continually change between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic forms. It is a beginner topic in Earth & Space.
How do I use the The Rock Cycle simulation?
The panel at the top shows the steps of a process, laid out in order. Click a step to see what happens next. Move the sliders one at a time, then press Space to pause the animation and look closer.
What does the formula mean?
The expression melt → cool → erode → bury packs the idea into symbols. Name each symbol first, then change one quantity with the sliders and see which others respond.
Who is this topic for?
Core ideas and first intuitions. No prior knowledge needed. If the quiz feels hard, reread the lesson notes and try the previous topic first.
What should I learn before this?
Start with “Seafloor Spreading”, the previous topic in Earth & Space. Each topic in a subject builds on the ones before it.
How do I track my progress?
Press “Mark as learned” on this page. Progress is stored only in this browser and is never sent anywhere. The Browse page can show topics you have learned or still need to learn.
Quick quiz
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