Question

How does the weathering, erosion and deposition contribute to the rock cycle?

Answer 1

Hint: The breaking down of rocks is known as weathering. The breaking down of these rocks further and then moving them is known as erosion. Laying down of these sediments is called deposition.

Complete answer:
> The transitions of the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous through the geological time is a basic concept in geology and it is called the rock cycle. In this process we can see that one type of rock is converted into another type of rock.
- Weathering, erosion and depositional activities along with plate tectonic activity are responsible for the continued recycling of the rocks.
-Igneous rocks are formed by cooling and crystallization of magma, also called molten rock, at or below the earth’s surface.
- When compaction and cementation of rock mineral fragments or the precipitation of dissolved minerals lead to the formation of rocks, these rocks are called as sedimentary rocks. They are formed due to the weathering process.
- When the existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and/or pressure, for long periods of time, it leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks.
- Once magma is cooled it leads to the formation of igneous rocks. After the process of weathering and erosion these igneous rocks turn into sediments and the result of these sediments is the sedimentary rocks once they are compacted and cemented. Sedimentary rocks can also be formed out of metamorphic rocks. Igneous and sedimentary rocks under intense heat and pressure converts into metamorphic rocks. When igneous and metamorphic rocks melt it leads to the formation of magma. This is the rock cycle.

Note: The model in which the formation, breakdown and reformation of a rock is described, which happens as a result of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic processes, is called the rock cycle. Minerals are the basic building materials of rocks and a mineral is basically a naturally occurring, crystalline solid of definite chemical composition.