The concept of the rock cycle is attributed to James Hutton (1726—1797), the 18th-century founder of modern geology. The process is that rocks are continually changing from one type to another and back again, as forces inside the earth bring them closer to the surface, where they are weathered, eroded, and compacted, and forces on the earth sink them back down, where they are heated, pressed, and melted. So the elements that make up rocks are never created or destroyed, instead, they are constantly being recycled. The rock cycle shows us that the earth is a giant rock recycling machine.
The beach where you stand shows evidence of these processes. The beach and surrounding rocks contain examples of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, weathering and forming. Igneous rock can change into sedimentary rock or into metamorphic rock. Sedimentary rock can change into metamorphic rock or into igneous rock. Metamorphic rock can change into igneous or sedimentary rock.
Your earth science task is to identify a rock specimen from each of the three rock types present on the beach, a weathering process and a rock forming process. In your log describe the speed of the wind and the size of the waves. Was it raining? How do these conditions affect the weathering and forming processes? Earth science answers to be validated by prompt email or message.
:::Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is most likely rock type to contain fossils. Examples of this rock type include conglomerate, sandstone and limestone.
:::Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth from the metamorphosis that occurs due to intense heat and pressure. The rocks that result from these processes often have layers and may have shiny crystals, formed by minerals growing slowly over time, on their surface. Examples of this rock type include slate, schist and marble.
:::Igneous rocks are formed when magma, molten rock deep within the earth cools and hardens. The minerals can form crystals when they cool. Igneous rock can form underground, where the magma cools slowly. Or, igneous rock can form above ground, where the magma cools quickly. Examples of this rock type include basalt, obsidian and granite.
The presence of abundant water on Earth is of great importance for the rock cycle. Most obvious perhaps are the water driven processes of weathering and erosion. Water is also involved in the cementation of sediment to form conglomerates.
The Earth's rocks do not stay the same forever. They are continually changing because of processes such as weathering and earth movement. Rocks are gradually recycled over millions of years. This is called the rock cycle. The rock cycle never stops.
