CH 2 INSIDE OUR EARTH

Where does the rock cycle begin?

The rock cycle is usually said to begin with a hot molten liquid rock called magma or lava. Magma forms under the Earth’s surface in the crust or mantle and erupts on Earth’s surface as lava. When magma or lava cools, it solidifies by crystallization, in which minerals grow within the magma or lava.

How are the rocks formed?

There are three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each of these rocks are formed by physical changes—such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting, or deforming—that are part of the rock cycle. Sedimentary rocks are formed from pieces of other existing rock or organic material.