What Is the Rock Cycle? Geology Printable (6th-12th Grade ... - Free Printable

To solve the problem of completing the rock cycle diagram, we need to understand the processes and transformations that occur as rocks change from one type to another. The rock cycle is a continuous process involving three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each type of rock can transform into another through specific geological processes.

Key Processes in the Rock Cycle:

1. Igneous Rocks: Form from the cooling and solidification of magma (below Earth's surface) or lava (on Earth's surface).
2. Sedimentary Rocks: Form from the compaction and cementation of sediments (such as sand, silt, clay, or organic material) deposited by wind, water, or ice.
3. Metamorphic Rocks: Form when existing rocks are subjected to high pressure, high temperature, or chemical changes deep within the Earth.

The processes involved include:
- Weathering and Erosion: Break down rocks into smaller particles (sediments).
- Compaction and Cementation: Transform sediments into sedimentary rocks.
- Melting: Converts rocks into magma or lava.
- Cooling and Solidification: Magma or lava cools and solidifies into igneous rocks.
- Heat and Pressure: Transform rocks into metamorphic rocks.

Steps to Complete the Diagram:

The provided diagram shows arrows connecting different stages of the rock cycle. We need to label each arrow with the appropriate process. Here’s how to do it:

#### 1. From Igneous Rock to Sedimentary Rock
- Process: Weathering and Erosion → Deposition → Compaction and Cementation
- Explanation: Igneous rocks exposed at the Earth's surface undergo weathering and erosion, breaking down into sediments. These sediments are transported and deposited in layers. Over time, compaction and cementation turn these sediments into sedimentary rocks.

#### 2. From Sedimentary Rock to Metamorphic Rock
- Process: Heat and Pressure
- Explanation: Sedimentary rocks buried deep within the Earth are subjected to high heat and pressure, causing them to transform into metamorphic rocks.

#### 3. From Metamorphic Rock to Igneous Rock
- Process: Melting → Cooling and Solidification
- Explanation: Metamorphic rocks can melt under extreme heat, forming magma. When this magma cools and solidifies (either below or above the Earth's surface), it forms igneous rocks.

#### 4. From Igneous Rock to Metamorphic Rock
- Process: Heat and Pressure
- Explanation: Igneous rocks can also be subjected to high heat and pressure, transforming them directly into metamorphic rocks.

#### 5. From Sedimentary Rock to Igneous Rock
- Process: Melting → Cooling and Solidification
- Explanation: Sedimentary rocks can melt under extreme heat, forming magma. When this magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks.

Filling in the Diagram:

Based on the above explanations, here’s how to label the arrows in the rock cycle diagram:

1. Arrow from Igneous Rock to Sedimentary Rock: Label it as "Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, Compaction, and Cementation."
2. Arrow from Sedimentary Rock to Metamorphic Rock: Label it as "Heat and Pressure."
3. Arrow from Metamorphic Rock to Igneous Rock: Label it as "Melting and Cooling."
4. Arrow from Igneous Rock to Metamorphic Rock: Label it as "Heat and Pressure."
5. Arrow from Sedimentary Rock to Igneous Rock: Label it as "Melting and Cooling."

Final Answer:

The completed rock cycle diagram should have the following labels for the arrows:
1. Igneous → Sedimentary: Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, Compaction, and Cementation
2. Sedimentary → Metamorphic: Heat and Pressure
3. Metamorphic → Igneous: Melting and Cooling
4. Igneous → Metamorphic: Heat and Pressure
5. Sedimentary → Igneous: Melting and Cooling

Thus, the final answer is:
\boxed{\text{See explanation above for labeling the diagram.}}